mayne_johnson_2015_using_toc_in_the_cgiar_research_program_on_agriculture_for_nutrition_and_health

<p>Mayne and Johnson present a behaviour-based generic ToC model. They differentiate between types of assumptions and their different positions within the Theory of Change. Reach assumptions are distinguished from assumptions around capacity change, behaviour change, direct benefits, and changes at the level of wellbeing. Examples are given about how to better illustrate the assumptions about other actors and/or stakeholders within your own Theory of Change.</p>
<p>The article also gives a nice overview of how to use ToCs in the different stages during (the design and implementation of) projects/programmes. It also illustrates the use of nested ToCs for the different stakeholders, and is at the same time making sure that the ToC is still simple to be interpreted.</p>
<p><strong>Abstract</strong>: Theories of change are increasingly being discussed and referenced in development evaluation even while the elements of what a theory of change consist of differ widely among applications. Equally, examples of actual use of theories of change other than as overview illustrations of interventions are rare. In this article, we present generic models of theories of change for both straightforward and more complex interventions. A number of examples of evidence-based theories of change in the area of agriculture research for nutrition and health are discussed, as is the need for different versions of a theory of change for different purposes. We also discuss the use and analysis of these models in the planning, managing and assessing of research-related interventions, illustrating the practical usefulness of well-developed theories of change.</p>


<p>The authors present a behaviour-based generic ToC model for both straightforward and more complex interventions. Examples are presented and the use of it during different stages of interventions are discussed.</p>


Using theories of change in the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health

valter-odi_2015_toc_time_for_a_radical_approach_to_learning_in_development

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<p>This paper, drawing on recent research and a workshop held at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in April 2015, outlines the growing and diverse ways in which Theory of Change approaches are understood. The author argues that a Theory of Change approach demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice.</p>
<p>The paper takes the key findings of recent research (Valters, 2014) a step further, by outlining and justifying four key principles when using a Theory of Change approach, tied into a deeper analysis of the development sector. It highlights throughout examples of the organisational use of Theories of Change, each of which attempts to go some way towards addressing the criticisms of the approach to date (James, 2011; Stein and Valters, 2012; Valters, 2014; Vogel, 2012). It also analyses possibilities for taking these principles forward in light of the ‘results agenda’.</p>
<p>The Theory of Change approach, with its focus on continuous critical reflection, demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice. No new tool or approach can in itself address problems of institutional incentives in the sector that block such learning. However, a Theory of Change approach may be able to create a productive (albeit small) space for critical reflection – in this industry a challenging and much-needed aim.</p>
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<h2>Useful Links</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.odi.org/comment/9882-four-principles-theories-change-global-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blogged summary by Craig Valters</a></p>
<p><a href="http://oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/what-are-the-key-principles-behind-a-decent-theory-of-change-approach-top-new-odi-paper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blogged review by Duncan Green &#8211; from poverty to power</a></p>
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<p>This paper argues that a Theory of Change approach demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice. It draws on the research and workshop held at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in April 2015. </p>


Theories of Change: Time for a radical approach to learning in development

<p>This article reviews current debates around ToC before identifying five aspects that are appreciated in practice. It appears that these aspects mostly cover areas where the logical framework is not – or is no longer – meeting the needs of practitioners.</p>
<p>Subsequently, the article analyses experiences in ToC training for NGO staff and concludes that ToC can address shortcomings of the logical framework – if only by going back to some of the roots of the logical framework.</p>


<p>This article reviews current debates around ToC and draws the conclusion that ToC can address shortcomings of the logical framework.</p>
