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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2021

How can agricultural research translation projects targeting smallholder production systems be strengthened by using Theory of Change?

Lindahl Rajala, Elisabeth; Vogel, Isabel; Sundin, Anneli; Kongmanila, Daovy; Nassuna-Musoke, Maria; Robert, Musundire; Mulangala Muipatayi, Nasha Marianne; Karltun, Linley Chiwona; Magnusson, Ulf; Boqvist, Sofia

Abstract

Sustainable development of smallholder agriculture production in low and lower middle-income countries are crucial for improving food security. To accommodate this science based evidence needs to bridge with agricultural practices and policy development, which requires coordinated actions and long term strategies involving multiple stakeholders. This paper argues that using a Theory of Change (ToC) approach, with strong emphasis on communication and stakeholder engagement, science based knowledge can be more effectively integrated in agricultural development, but also in policy development. Three projects addressing different challenges within livestock production are used to illustrate the use of and challenges with using a ToC framework. A key for reaching outcome was early involvement of relevant stakeholders in implementing teams and using the flexibility included in the ToC approach from design to implementation.

Keywords

Agricultural development; Research for development; SDG2; Smallholder agriculture; food security; Food production

Published in

Global Food Security
2021, volume: 28, article number: 100475

Authors' information

Lindahl Rajala, Elisabeth (Rajala, Elisabeth)
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences
Vogel, Isabel
Isabel Vogel Ltd
Sundin, Anneli
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)
Kongmanila, Daovy
National University of Laos
Nassuna-Musoke, Maria
Makerere University
Robert, Musundire
Chinhoyi University of Technology
Mulangala Muipatayi, Nasha Marianne
Association des Femmes d'Affaires du Congo
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Urban and Rural Development
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG2 Zero hunger
SDG17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

UKÄ Subject classification

Economic Geography

Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100475

URI (permanent link to this page)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/109435