Context Indicators in the USAID Education Sector

USAID defines context indicators in ADS 201 as “indicators [that] measure factors outside the control of USAID that have the potential to affect the achievement of expected results…which may be tracked at any level of an RF [results framework] or logic model.” USAID has developed resources to help Missions and partners to develop and use context indicators. General guidance on context indicators is available in ADS 201 and USAID Learning Lab’s Context Indicator Reference Sheet Guidance and Template. 

As the name implies, context indicators provide insights regarding a country’s context. Having a clear understanding of the local context is essential when designing or modifying strategies or activities. USAID uses context indicators across sectors to track external factors beyond the Agency’s control— such as population changes and partner country government funding—that affect implementation and influence expected results. For this reason, context indicators do not directly measure the results of a strategy or activity. Context indicators provide data to assess factors that inform design and implementation. USAID recommends context indicators for any level of a results framework or logic model from a Country Cooperation Development Strategy down to an Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, but they are not required. Most context indicators rely on secondary data from partner country government ministries or multilateral organizations like the World Bank or United Nations agencies.