Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • My contribution relates to Question 4: Assessing evidence

      I will make a follow-up contribution on Question 5: Some examples

      From 2015 to 2022, I have been involved in evaluating and reviewing CGIAR programs and initiatives using an evolving Quality of Research for Development (QoR4D) Framework. Lessons learnt from each evaluation have informed improvements in this Framework. In addition, it has been informed by other methods for evaluating agricultural research for development e.g. IDRC Research Quality + Assessment Tool and the UK Research Excellence Framework. The current model (https://iaes.cgiar.org/evaluation/publications/cgiar-evaluation-framework) is well-constructed, robust and flexible and can be used at all stages of the project cycle from proposal to mid-term to project termination to impact. It is based in four well-defined elements: relevance, credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness in four dimensions: design, inputs, processes and outputs. Evidence is evaluated in a rigorous, transparent and gender aware manner through well-defined quantitative and qualitative indicators using a mixed methods approach. The subjective nature of some qualitative indicators is reduced by using rubrics. Communication to stakeholders is initiated early in the evaluation process, making them aware of the objectives of the evaluation and making sure that all stakeholders are involved. Many different tools are used to communicate the evidence including videos, briefs, workshops etc. depending on the audience (managers, researchers, partners, farmers, policy makers).