Theory of change and development outcomes

All CGIAR research programs have a theory of change (ToC) and associated ‘intermediate development outcomes’ (IDO) that contribute to the overall strategy and results framework (SRF) and system level outcomes (SLO) of the CGIAR Consortium.

Download the latest version of the program’s ‘Results Strategy Framework and Intermediate Development Outcomes (IDOs) for the Livestock and Fish Research Program

This diagram shows the current theory of change of the program:

The Livestock and Fish IDOs (at March 2013) are summarized below:

Intermediate Development Outcome Notes
#1
Increased livestock and fish productivity in small-scale production systems for the target commodities (SLO2)
This reflects the considerable investment in research under the CRP to improve technologies related to livestock and fish productivity drivers: health, genetics and feeds. Could be captured in an aggregate productivity target (e.g. cost per unit of commodity), or in individual productivity measures (e.g. reduction in animal mortality)
#2
Increased quantity and improved quality of the target commodity supplied from the target small-scale production and marketing systems (SLO2)
Enhancing food security is a key objective and is a product of both improved productivity at farm-level and a well-functioning value chain. Targets will be developed based on a combination of expected productivity gains, food safety indicators and density of production in our target markets
#3
Increased employment and income for low-income actors in the target value chains, with an increased share of employment for and income controlled by low-income women (SLO1)
The CRP also seeks to reduce poverty through the income generation opportunities created within the target value chains. Targets to be set based on planned participation levels.

Gender enters both in terms of participation in the value chain and targeting of consumption of the value chain products. These targets focus on the nature of participation of women in the value chains

#4
The target commodity responsible for filling a larger share of the nutrient gap for the poor, particularly for nutritionally vulnerable populations (women of reproductive age and young children) (SLO3)
The CRP proposal highlighted the nutritional benefits of the target commodities and anticipated research to ensure these benefits would be done under CRP4. Since then, the CRP has recognized that it needs to play a more active role and so proposes reflecting this as an IDO. A preliminary nutritional analysis will be required to understand the appropriate form of targets to adopt
#5
Lower environment impacts and higher benefits per unit of commodity produced in the target value chains (SLO4)
Improving productivity and value chain efficiency will contribute to reduce the pressure on natural resources (e.g., use of fodder, improved grazing management, vaccines replacing acaricides, more efficient use of crop residues, management of excreta), but also will help reduce the emission of GHG per unit of product.
#6
Policies (including investments) and development actors recognize and support the development of the small-scale production and marketing systems, and seek to increase the participation of women within these (SLO2)