Outcome Harvesting is a novel approach that has transformed how development projects are monitored and evaluated. First introduced by Ricardo Wilson-Grau in the late 2000s, this innovative approach is now applied widely in over 140 countries. Rooted in Outcome Mapping, it excels in understanding social changes in dynamic contexts where cause-and-effect relationships are not easily defined.
In late 2024, CKC had the opportunity to apply the transformative Outcome Harvesting method in a research project focused on climatic services in agricultural production in eight (08) cities and provinces of the volatile Mekong River Delta. Unlike traditional M&E methods, Outcome Harvesting employs a retrospective approach, enabling us to identify changes in local agricultural practices (“outcomes”) and trace them back to determine how project interventions contributed to these changes.
The process consists of six iterative steps, where data collected at each stage can prompt new questions and guide further data collection. This iterative design allows Outcome Harvesting to address the limitations of traditional M&E methods, effectively capturing unanticipated changes that are often essential for understanding the broader impact of a project.
While Outcome Harvesting is a powerful tool, it does come with its challenges:
- Resource-intensive: Requires more time and effort than traditional methods.
- Subjectivity: Qualitative findings may introduce bias.
- Data complexity: Managing and analyzing qualitative data requires advanced skills and tools.
Source: https://outcomeharvesting.net/
(Quyen Mai)
As we close the chapter on 2024, we stand at the threshold of a remarkable journey defined by our theme: “A Year of Expanded Horizons.” This year, our research center has dedicated itself to transcending boundaries and exploring new frontiers across five pivotal pillars:
- Expanding Research Horizons;
- Expanding Consulting Services;
- Expanding Community Outreach;
- Expanding Partnerships; and
- Expanding Employee Well-Being.
2024 marks a pivotal moment for CKC as we have ventured into uncharted territories, forging new partnerships, and strengthening a dynamic, creative, and impactful research and development ecosystem. We celebrate not only achievements but the transformative journey we embarked upon in expanding our horizons. Together, we are not just looking forward to the future – we are actively shaping it.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering dedication demonstrated by our members and profound appreciation to our Governance Board, international advisors, associates, and partners. Your steadfast commitment has been instrumental in driving CKC toward remarkable achievements this year and we look forward to continuing this collaborative spirit into 2025 and beyond.
We are excited to announce CKC’s feature on the inaugural episode of The Ripple Effect podcast from University of Technology Sydney, aired on 28 November 2024.
In this inaugural episode titled “Establishing Common Ground – Insights into Organisational Capacity Strengthening from Participatory Action Research”, Dr. Mai Le Quyen, CKC’s Deputy Director, joined representatives from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka to share key research findings for the first year from our Participatory Action Research on Organizational Capacity Building. Together, they discussed effective strategies to boast international cooperation in strengthening community-based organizations.
Tune in to the first episode of the series of live, interdisciplinary dialogues to explore the role of partnerships in international development and how we’re creating lasting, positive changes across borders.
Listen today and be part of the Ripple Effect. Stay tuned for more expert insights in future episodes. Let’s create a ripple effect of positive change!
Tune in to the Podcast here.