Strengthening CPWF project evaluations: Assessing research-for-development impact

Mayne, J. 2011. Assessing research-for-development impact. Impact Assessment Series 8. Colombo, Sri Lanka: CGIAR Challenge Program for Water and Food.

The Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) funds research-for-development projects for 3-5 year periods with the aim of “increasing the productivity of water for food and livelihoods, in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable”. Impact evaluations of CPWF’s projects serve several purposes including lessons to improve implementation, lessons to inform uptake, and credible information to CPWF donors and other stakeholders. As part of CPWF’s adaptive management approach, this paper is intended to provide ideas and suggestions directed at both CPWF and its evaluators for improving the quality of future CPWF research-for- development project evaluations.