publication
Utilization-focused evaluation for agricultural innovation
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70056
Abstract
Utilization-focused evaluation (UFE) is based on the principle that an evaluation should be judged by its utility. So no matter how technically sound and methodologically elegant, an evaluation is not truly a good evaluation unless the findings are used. UFE is a framework for enhancing the likelihood that evaluation findings will be used and lessons will be learnt from the evaluation process. This Brief, based on the book…
publication
Perspectives on partnership: Highlights of a literature review
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70210
Abstract
Working in partnership has become central in efforts to address complex environmental, socio-economic, and technological problems. The terms partner or partnership appear more than 100 times in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and more than 200 times in the version of the CGIAR's new Strategy and Results Framework presented at the recent Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development. It is promoted as…
publication
Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis: A practical method for project planning and evaluation
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70093
Abstract
Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis (PIPA) is a practical planning, and monitoring and evaluation approach developed for use with complex projects in the water and food sectors . PIPA begins with a participatory workshop where stakeholders make explicit their assumptions about how their project will achieve an impact. Participants construct problem trees, carry out a visioning exercise and draw…
publication
Human resources management, knowledge sharing and organizational learning
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70139
Abstract
This Brief reports the results of a study that explored the role of human resources policies and practices in fostering knowledge sharing and organizational learning. The study examined six centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and six organizations that are considered to be leaders in the field of knowledge sharing and organizational learning. Five of these were public or…
publication
Engaging scientists through institutional histories
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70132
Abstract
An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangements – new ways of working – evolve over time creating more effective ways to achieve goals. It can be used to document institutional innovations in projects and to highlight barriers to change. An institutional history draws out and synthesizes lessons for research organizations and partners as well as for others in similar circumstances…
publication
The Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program: An experiment in mainstreaming institutional learning and change
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70141
Abstract
The Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP) shows how the principles of institutional learning and change (ILAC) can be applied. This Brief outlines the basic components of the SSA CP and highlights various ILAC features of the Program. These include an innovation systems orientation; an approach to ‘thinking globally and acting locally’; the location of research within a broader…
publication
Rethinking Impact Workshop: key issues
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/71153
Abstract
Six key issues emerged from the Rethinking Impact Workshop (RIW): Understanding the complexity of poverty and change held in Cali, Colombia, March 26–28, 2008. The workshop discussed (1) how agricultural and natural-resources research can be more effective in contributing to solutions for poverty alleviation and improving gender, social inclusion and equity; (2) how its impact can be assessed; and (3) how such research and impact assessment can be…
publication
Linking diversity to organizational effectiveness: Lessons from a culture study at CIAT
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70138
Abstract
This Brief describes a ‘culture study’ carried out to explore how different staff groups perceive the culture of an international research centre and how the management of staff diversity issues affects the work environment and organizational performance. The perceptions of various staff groups were analysed in relation to five aspects of organizational culture: institutional climate; global…
publication
Innovation systems: Implications for agricultural policy and practice
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70179
Abstract
Farmers and businesses need to adapt constantly if they are to survive and compete in the rapidly evolving environment associated with the contemporary agricultural sector. Rethinking agricultural research as part of a dynamic system of innovation could help to design ways of creating and sustaining conditions that will support the process of adaptation and innovation. This approach involves developing the working styles…
publication
Horizontal evaluation: Stimulating social learning among peers
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70133
Abstract
Horizontal evaluation is a flexible evaluation method that combines self-assessment and external review by peers. We have developed and applied this method for use within an Andean regional network that develops new methodologies for research and development (R&D). The involvement of peers neutralizes the lopsided power relations that prevail in traditional external evaluations, creating a more favourable atmosphere for…
publication
Contribution analysis: An approach to exploring cause and effect
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70124
Abstract
Questions of cause and effect are critical to assessing the performance of programmes and projects. When it is not practical to design an experiment to assess performance, contribution analysis can provide credible assessments of cause and effect. Verifying the theory of change that the programme is based on, and paying attention to other factors that may influence the outcomes, provides reasonable evidence about the…
publication
Brokering innovation for sustainable development: The Papa Andina case.
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/67217
Publication year
2010
Authors
Devaux, A.
Horton, Douglas
Ordinola, M.
Thiele, Graham
Thomann, A.
Velasco, C.
Andrade-Piedra, J.L.
Full Citation
Devaux, A.; Andrade-Piedra, J.L.; Horton, D.; Ordinola, M.; Thiele, G.;…
publication
Evaluation, learning and change in research and development organizations: concepts, experiences, and implications for the CGIAR
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/70255
Abstract
The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is under strong pressure to enhance its capacity to learn and change. Business as usual is no longer an option in an environment that demands the increasing effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the services and products provided by its centers. The direction CGIAR centers and the system…
publication
Rethinking impact: understanding the complexity of poverty and change
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1717
Abstract
This paper presents six key issues from the Rethinking Impact: Understanding the complexity of poverty and change Workshop (RIW) held in Cali, Colombia, March 28, 2008. The workshop discussed how agricultural and natural-resources research can be more effective in generating solutions for poverty alleviation and improving gender, social inclusion and equity, and how such research can be brought into the mainstream and how…
publication
An overview of rural extension in Brazil: the current situation
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/71148
Abstract
This document is the result of a series of interviews carried out in November 2012 with extensionists, university professors, researchers, technicians, and extension service coordinators from different states in Brazil. A total of 14 professionals from CATI, ESALQUSP, EMPAER-MT, EMBRAPA, and independent consultants were interviewed. The information shared by those professionals was combined to build a narrative, showing an…
