Abstract
Two recent developments have important implications for how the impact of social change programming is understood in international development. First, there is growing concern for ways of monitoring programmes and assessing impact that are more grounded in the realities of practice than some ‘results-based’ methods currently promoted and utilised. Second, there are calls for greater use of anthropological methods in non-governmental organisation (NGO) programme evaluation. This paper draws on findings from recent research in Uganda examining NGO-led HIV prevention and sexual health programmes with rural youth. It reveals how rigorous qualitative research using ethnographic principles will enable practitioners to learn how best to strengthen programme delivery.