Strategic Learning Across the CCRP

The CCRP directors and the Integrated Monitoring, Evaluation, and Planning (IMEP) team, have been working closely with Tanya Beer from the Center for Evaluation Innovation to facilitate the development of Strategic Learning Questions and actions with the CCRP leadership team.

Strategic Learning is based on using data and evidence to inform decision making and actions, in a complex and changing environment. It is aligned with the general IMEP approach based on Utilization-Focused and Developmental Evaluation.

Tanya began a process during our annual leadership meeting in February that got cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still we were able to continue the process through four virtual webinars in April and June.

The strategic learning process was based on emergent learning tables, where participants map out data & stories, insights, hypotheses, and opportunities around a given question. The CCRP wanted to focus on creating shorter-term, (one-year) learning loops for these questions that complement our longer-term evaluation questions. The two questions that the CCRP has worked on so far are:

Strategic Learning Question 1: How can we better support projects and learn from their experiences in a way that catalyzes more movement toward—and alignment around—AE transition at the project and regional levels, including in light of how the pandemic is affecting our context and work?

And

Strategic Learning Question 2: How can we use CCRP’s collective voice, evidence and experience over the next 12-18 months to influence global, regional and national policy related to ag R&D to support AE transition via: TAPE tool (FAO), Agroecology Knowledge Hub (FAO),  the Food Systems Summit, and a virtual FRN process/convening (2021)?

The regions, program, and cross-cutting grants have been drafting “if…then” statements (hypotheses) to reflect on potential actions and what outcomes they expect to see.

We look forward to this work guiding us for the next 12-18 months.