Keith Child (ILRI)
Livestock and Fish Small Ruminant Change Pathway Validation Workshop
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
3-4 March 2015
Livestock and Fish theory of
change approach

MEL Framework Overview

Measuring Along the Impact
Pathway

Basic Starting Points
• Use an adapted Contribution Analysis approach
• Refine the generic Theory of Change (ToC), Impact
Pathways and Assumptions
• Focus the MEL approach at the CRP to Research
Outcomes levels of the generic ToC
• Base the proposed approach on ToC, using a
combination of indicators to track research
outcomes and Evaluation Learning Questions to
frame critical analysis about emerging changes,
causal linkages, assumptions and external factors

Core Components of the ToC MEL
Approach
• ToC overview (from products and outputs up to IDO-level),
with mapping of Flagships and their intended progression
along the ToC and timelines – 3, 6, 9, 12 years.
• Illustrative Monitoring Framework of Indicators for data
collection on Program Performance, Research Outputs,
Reach and Reaction, Capacities in target systems and
Behaviour Changes.
• Illustrative Evaluation and Learning Questions around
assumptions, according to research phase.
• Overview of planning, implementation, learning and
reporting cycle, annually but also around tri-yearly cycles.
• Annual reporting template – illustrative.

Pilot 1 in Tanzania and Ethiopia
• Stage 1: ToC Development and Consulting on Tools
• ToC development workshop and validation
• Follow-up workshops with the Value Chain teams to design the
pilots and pilot implementation plans.
• Stage 2: Using the tools to take a Baseline
• Refinement of tools following produced at the workshops.
• Collection baseline data
• Piloting teams produce a baseline report
• Stage 3: First Quarter Reporting
• Six months after the baseline, the pilot teams will collect the
first round of data and analyze change against the baseline
• This will include impact monitoring of changes for stakeholders
and a critical reflection on the theory of change and key
assumptions.

Overview
Five days are the first step in the piloting of the
PMEL data collection tools and reporting processes.
The pilots will run through 2015, with regular review
points and updates to the wider Livestock and Fish
group.
The learning from the pilots will be consolidated in
November 2015 with a view to rolling out the
system
Isabel Vogel and Maureen O'Flynn

Our role in this
• Support to the strengthening of what you already
have in place
• Develop a pilot product and process that can be
rolled out VCTS first:
Methods for robust planning, M&E and learning
• Similar exercise to be completed for FS1-4
following on from pilots
Isabel Vogel and Maureen O'Flynn

CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. The CGIAR
Research Program on Livestock and Fish aims to increase the productivity of small-scale livestock and fish systems
in sustainable ways, making meat, milk and fish more available and affordable across the developing world.
CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish
livestockfish.cgiar.org