The document discusses outcome-based evaluation of various acacia-funded research networks in Africa from 2006 to present, focusing on intended and unintended changes among social actors influenced by the networks. It highlights the importance of both outcomes and outputs, detailing a structured presentation format that includes the significance of outcomes, the contribution of research networks, and relevant classifications related to acacia's objectives. The evaluation aims to enhance understanding of ICT4D research initiatives, encouraging robust policy dialogue and innovation across diverse dimensions.

1. Outcome-Based Evaluation: Acacia-Funded Research Networks, 2006-Present
(conducted in 2009 by Ricardo Wilson-Grau and Jennifer Vincent)
Participating Research Networks
1. ACA2K (African Copyright and Access to Knowledge)
2. ANLoc (The African Network for Localization)
3. AVOIR (African Virtual Open Initiatives and Resources)
4. GRACE (Gender Research in Africa into ICTs for Empowerment)
5. LOG-IN (Local Governance and ICT Research Network for Africa)
6. OASIS (Open Architecture, Standards & Information Systems for Healthcare in Africa)
7. PALM (Publishing and Alternative Licensing Model of Africa)
8. PanAf (Research Agenda on the Pedagogical Integration of ICTs)
9. PAREN (Promoting African Research and Education Networking)
10. PICTURE (Poverty and Information and Communication Technology Systems in Urban and Rural
Eastern Africa)
11. RIA! (Research ICT Africa)
12. UHIN/MHIN (Uganda Health Information Network/Mozambique Information Health Network)
13. Wireless Africa
Key Definitions
Outcomes: Intended or unintended changes in the behaviour, relationships, activities, or actions of the
people, groups, and organizations (“social actors” – internal or external to the research network) that the
research network influenced. These changes must be reasonably linked to the research network’s activities,
although they are not necessarily directly caused by them.
Outputs: Changes caused directly by the network, typically as a direct result of the network’s project-
related activities. Examples of outputs are publications, reports, and even the kind of capacity-building that
is a natural result of activities conducted as part of the project, such as workshops. Outputs are very
important and are not considered inferior to outcomes; indeed, without them, few outcomes would be
realized.
Outcome Presentation Format1
Outcome Title: In a sentence, summarise the change in the social actor – who did what that was different?
Outcome: Describe who changed, what changed in their behaviour, relationships, activities or actions,
when, and where.
Significance: Briefly explain why the outcome is important. Also, contextualise the outcome so that a
reader who does not have country and topical expertise will be able to appreciate why this outcome is
significant.
Contribution of the research network: Please indicate the evidence of the research network’s contribution.
How do we know that the outcome was a result—partial or total, intentional or unintentional—of the
research network’s activities? Please be concise. In a sentence or two, describe what was done, by whom,
when and where as specifically as possible
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Developed by Ricardo Wilson-Grau based on IDRC’s Outcome Mapping concept of “outcome.”
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2. Outcome Presentation Format Continued…
Classification: Please indicate which of the following dimensions of Acacia’s overall objectives the
outcome contributes to (or in the case of a negative outcome, detracts from), bearing in mind that IDRC
recognizes that not every project/network will make a significant contribution to (or undermine) all of these
objectives. (Please select as many as you feel apply by marking an ―X‖ or highlighting):
Fostering on-going, robust policy dialogue among:
ICT4D researchers
Policy-makers
Other key policy-related bodies.
Catalyzing thriving regional research networks that:
Strengthen weak institutions through mentoring relationships
Serve as fora for knowledge diffusion
Are a vehicle for parallel funding activities
Increasing research capacity in ICT4D through:
Improved research methodologies and practices
Increased numbers of ICT4D researchers
More research institutions with a specific ICT4D focus
Stimulating social and technical innovation in ICTs, including:
Mobile telephony
Wireless broadband
Alternative, innovative telecom and IT policy models for Africa
Alternative intellectual property regimes
Fostering social innovation, broadly defined as dealing with improving the welfare of individuals
and community through employment, consumption or participation, its expressed purpose being to
provide solutions for individual and community problems.
Contributing to a formal body of knowledge in ICT4D as evidenced by research findings being:
Cited and/or published in peer-reviewed, third-party publications (i.e., not by IDRC or the
research networks).
Incorporated into university curricula.
Applying meaningful gender analysis:
Contribution to a more sophisticated understanding of women’s access and usage of ICTs in
Africa
Reduction in the magnitude and evolution of the observed gender gap
Changing gender relations in:
Access and patterns of use
ICT literacy
Education and skills
ICT employment.
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