Evaluating pathways to impact for the DFAT - CSIRO Research for Development Alliance: a methodological study

Author:

Lazarow, Neil; Meharg, Seona; Butler, James; Connor, Jeff; Kandulu, John; Duggan, Kate; Roth, Christian

Date of Publication:

2015-11-25

Publication Type:

Report

Pages:

52

Abstract:

The focus of this study is on the development of a novel approach to evaluate the impact of the R4D Alliance at project and program level, including practical guidance to support more effective project design and impact for future R4D investment. A significant limitation amongst many current impact evaluation methodologies is that a narrow set of approaches is often used to evaluate complex development issues. This means that impacts may be only partially described and this is compounded by a lack of clarity around the validation and attribution of impacts to particular interventions - in some cases uncertainties may be larger than claimed benefits! Our mixed methods approach to impact evaluation overcomes many of these challenges, allowing us to evaluate and quantify the impact of the Alliance at program level and at the individual project level in a timely manner, and to the best of our knowledge is the only product of this type currently in use. Our approach demonstrates that with a small additional investment impacts can be successfully tested for at project completion and greater confidence levels for impact pathways can be achieved. These are essential if confidence in the value of R4D investment is to be maintained, and will contribute to the ongoing quality and effectiveness of Australian aid. We anticipate that this approach will raise the bar for future impact evaluations.

Publisher:

CSIRO

Place of Publication:

Canberra

Field Of Research:

Public Policy

Full Text Availability:

Published Version (pdf) (7.64MB)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4225/08/58542c19aa291

Rights Notice:

This report has been placed on the CSIRO repository and may be made available to persons outside of CSIRO for non commercial purposes, in its entirety and without deletion of disclaimers and copyright information.

Identifier:

EP156185

Publication Sub Type:

Client Report (Author)

Language:

English

Attribution Statement:

Lazarow, Neil; Meharg, Seona; Butler, James; Connor, Jeff; Kandulu, John; Duggan, Kate; Roth, Christian. Evaluating pathways to impact for the DFAT - CSIRO Research for Development Alliance: a methodological study. Canberra: CSIRO; 2015. csiro:EP156185. https://doi.org/10.4225/08/58542c19aa291