Kmc4crp2 ToC ILRI
In this session, Ewen Le Borgne (ILRI) presented some very initial impact pathway (ImPa) and theory of change (ToC) ideas that he has been working on.
Ewen mentioned that:
- This is a very initial work in progress.
- It was developed for ILRI, not for a CRP, although a lot of it can be applied/adapted for CRPs, projects, activities etc.
- It comes up with a narrative (the theory of change):
- It is useful in many ways:
As a conversation about the big picture of comms/KM; As a crucial way to identify the assumptions and 'leaps of faith' that we have about the effect of our activities/interventions As a way to check these assumptions (to do some M&E about these, collect data etc.) As a living document that can and should be revisited periodically and updated in the light of changes we observe, challenges, opportunities As it offers a specific focus on the field of CKM and how that field itself is evolving (something which is usually not captured in projects)
- It can be read from a specific section.
- It can be read from an IDO / top objective/outcome.
Discussion points:
- Use the impact pathway as a 'harnessing point' for the many conversations we have around the big picture of KM/Comms...
Very likely not directly. A lot of ideas from this ToC could feature in the CCAFS ImPa but would have to be adapted because this is looking at comms and KM specifically, not at the entire program.
- Define the evidence that is needed to achieve SLOs / IDOs
- No baseline / controls - we tend not to analyse our CKM work in our research organisations which is strange given that we work with researchers who collect data on many things.
- Ringfence budget for this!
- Project management does not seem to prioritise this kind of work
- Given everything we could monitor, it's all about setting priorities!
- Who are the boundary partners to influence?
