Lessons in Theory of Change: CCAFS Southeast Asia Research for Development Workshop
Abstract
In CCAFS we are building our research for development agenda using outcomes thinking targeted towards five CGIAR intermediate development outcomes (IDOs). Each of our Flagship research programs and regions are developing theories of change (TOCs), impact pathways (IPs), and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. Our impact pathways are harmonized, contributing to an overall CCAFS pathway in which we are focused on catalysing behavioral changes in next-users (see box below) so that they create an enabling environment for the intermediate development outcomes (IDOs). In Southeast Asia we have involved our partners and next-users from the very beginning of the process, so that their voices and priorities form the foundation of the regional theory of change. We are learning from them, and with them co-developing our research agenda. We organized a workshop in December 2013 for CGIAR Centre partners to develop a preliminary impact pathway, including a regional vision, behavioral outcomes and target research outputs. This was followed by a workshop in March 2014 with partners and next-users in the region.
The objectives of the second workshop were to review the draft vision and outcomes, improve the theory of change and impact pathway for the region, and assess the regional landscape of climate change research so as to identify synergies and gaps. Communication, participation and consensus are important aspects of decision-making in Southeast Asia. Because CCAFS was at the beginning of our program of work in the region, we were able to bring key actors together in a deliberative fashion and thereby generate strong ownership of our program amongst our stakeholders.
Citation
Jost, C.C.; Sebastian, L.; Kristjanson, P.; Förch, W. Lessons in Theory of Change: CCAFS Southeast Asia Research for Development Workshop. CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), Copenhagen, Denmark (2014) 4 pp.