From Research to Development Outcome

From Research to Development Outcome

Olufunke Cofie

VBDC Annual Science Reflection Workshop 3-5 July, 2012Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Andes • Ganges • Limpopo • Mekong • Nile • Volta

Session Objectives

• To recall our research for development approach

• To recall our defined outcome targets

• To reflect on how to track and document the progress in achieving the set targets


Recall: Elements of the CPWF R4D

• It is not just about doing research, it is research for development– We have defined a development challenge which cut across different sectors;– Designed scientific research projects addressing specific questions in response

to the development challenge;– Integrated different disciplines (technical, institutional, policy), organizations

(local, national and international)– Defined a wide range of expected outcome (or changes) in a logical form or

pathway;– Active engagement of a broad range of stakeholders at different levels in

research design and implementation.– Adaptive management


Why all that?We expected that something would happen:

– Contribute to knowledge through our scientific research and publications; for our career progression; for our sustenance

– Changes in knowledge, skills and practices of our immediate target stakeholders

– Ultimate improvement in the livelihoods of farming communities


Expected OutcomesLocal Farming Communities• are applying new knowledge and skills for improving rainwater management to

enhance crop and livestock productivity • are managing small reservoirs effectively, maximizing the benefits from multiple uses.

Government Officials

at different levels and from relevant ministries are using research results and recommendations for planning, design of RMS and SRs for multiple uses.

IWRM Policy Makers & Implementers are using tested participatory approaches in their policy development and implementation for enhanced watershed management.

Development Agencies have the knowledge and skills to use our up‐scaling decision support tool to better target investments in AWM initiatives in appropriate locations in the Volta basin.

Researchershave increased capacity in planning, and implementation of integrated, multi‐disciplinary research for development projects.


But how do we show it?• What is the benchmark?• Where is the evidence?


Possible Steps• Define the indicators and benchmark level1. Do a conscious systematic collection and analysis of information about

the progress with the outcome targets (how and when)2. Analyse and interpret the information in order to know to what extent

you are realising the set targets3. Use it to inform the project implementation (e.g comm & engagement

strategies4. Conclude on the development outcome (link your result to that outcome)

so that by the end of 2013 we can conclude on the development outcome of the VBDC or would have identified some triggers that will lead to change – that could be evidence for continuation


Reflection Questions

• Are the defined changes still realistic / valid?• How, who and when to measure progress?• How would you deal with attribution?• What kind of support do you need from V5/CPWF


Thankswww.volta.waterandfood.org

http://www.volta.waterandfood.org/


• Choose one key outcome indicator /each actor• State the baseline/benchmark level• What are the intermediary stages of getting there• How who when to measure• Concluding on the development outcome‐are you showing cause and effect relationship or correlation

(between the absence of your result )? How do you link your result to that outcome – reflect on it. because it is difficult

• Attribution question example are you now doing things differently‐how can we measure the effect of our work on the change we are seeing? Depends on the kind of change. In some cases it is direct measure. In some cases it is by proxy. Need to ask why the change

• Get them to reflect and see the essence of the M&E and to operationalise some key development outcomes for M&E so that at any forum to present, we can conlcude on the devt outcome of their work

• That by the end of 2013 we can have some triggers that will lead to change. Why all those models• Need to have evidence of the continuation of the project


Extract from OLM (ToC)


Monitoring plan

From Research to Development Outcome

Technology

Transcript of From Research to Development Outcome