Dynamic evaluation of agricultural research for development supports innovation and responsible scaling through high-level inclusion

Abstract

CONTEXTInnovators want to scale the impact of innovations responsibly, but the meaning of “responsible” is elusive. It entails the high-level inclusion of stakeholders, but there is no agreed-upon standard that defines a “good-enough” level. OBJECTIVEOur objectives are to (1) provoke a conversation about what it means to scale the impact of agricultural innovations responsibly and (2) suggest dynamic evaluation as one way to promote responsible scaling because it facilitates the leadership of the people affected. METHODSOver 200 projects funded by IDRC to scale the impact of research for development in the Global South were reviewed. Research products were iteratively developed with Southern innovators and Northern funders who offered structured feedback. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe dynamic scaling systems model is one research product. It can guide the people affected as they lead a process of “conjecturing” about scaling effects in complex settings. The resulting conjectures inform the dynamic evaluation of scaling, as well as planning and management. We illustrate the application of the model with a hypothetical and real example. SIGNIFICANCEScaling is an integral part of agricultural innovation, and dynamism is an emerging concept that informs the evaluation, planning, and management of scaling. The dynamic scaling systems model supports the high-level inclusion of the people affected in ways that respect local knowledge and the risks associated with complex settings. It helps innovators scale more responsibly, even though the precise meaning of “responsible” remains elusive.