Assessing the quality of CGIAR research for development

CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). (2022). Applying the CGIAR Quality of Research for Development Framework to Process & Performance Evaluations. (Beta version) Rome: IAES. #52 p.

These pioneering evaluation guidelines provide the framing, criteria, dimensions, and methods for assessing the quality of CGIAR research for development. They can be adapted by like-minded organizations conducting research for development (R4D).

The methods and criteria for evaluating CGIAR research are underpinned by two fundamental frameworks crucial to CGIAR and its stakeholders: the Quality of Research for Development Frame of Reference (QoR4D; last revision 2020), and the 2019 OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC) Evaluation Criteria.

The Quality of Science evaluation criterion is one of seven CGIAR evaluation criteria and underlines the identity of CGIAR as a global research-for-development partnership. The QoS evaluation criterion assures evaluative coverage of two QoR4D elements which are not explicit OECD/DAC criteria.

These guidelines on applying QoR4 frame of reference in process and performance evaluations will be useful to those who provide inputs into evaluations in the CGIAR system. There will be useful for evaluators, evaluation managers and commissioners, MEL professionals, and research managers. In addition, the guidelines are sufficiently broad to be applicable and adapted across many contexts by CGIAR partners and like-minded organizations conducting research for development.