Bridging the canyon: Transforming research into social change
In the world of research, the distance between a breakthrough finding and a tangible social change can often feel like a vast canyon. How do we ensure our science actually moves the needle on policy and practice?
Last week, we gathered for an insightful webinar to explore Theory of Change (ToC) as the essential bridge for designing research with impact. Led by Dr. Isabel Vogel, the session provided a masterclass in mapping the pathways from raw knowledge to lasting societal transformation. This attracted participants from Gulu University, Kyambogo University, Makerere University and the AgriFoSe2030 team in Sweden.
What is Theory of Change?
As Dr. Isabel Vogel explained, ToC is more than just a planning document; it is a critical reflection tool. It requires researchers to move beyond immediate outputs (like publications) and look toward a "continuum of change, involving Building awareness and shifting mindsets, influencing policy decisions and institutional behavior, and Achieving sustainable social and environmental change.
The webinar highlighted a systematic approach currently being utilized in major initiatives like the AgriFoSe2030 programme. This journey includes:
- Clarifying Purpose: Identifying the specific "challenging situation" you aim to solve.
- Defining the Vision: Crafting clear impact statements for the future.
Context Analysis: Understanding the local environment and stakeholder needs. - Mapping Pathways: Visualizing how specific research activities lead to specific outcomes.
- Monitoring & Reflection: Using ToC as a "living document" to track progress and pivot when necessary.
ToC isn’t just theoretical; it's being applied to great effect in some of East Africa’s most complex environments.
- Resilient Urban Food Systems, Uganda: Prof Frank Mugagga and Dr. Peter Kasaija, of the Department of the Geography, GeoInformatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, shared how ToC helped their team account for unexpected outcomes. They noted that ToC is equally powerful for retrospective analysis, looking back at a project to understand why certain things worked (or didn’t). Indeed, they have published a paper on the value that ToC brought to their project.
- Adaptive Design in the GenSens project in Tanzania: Dr. Heather Mackay, Mid Sweden University and part of the AgriFoSe2030 support team, shared a compelling example where testing assumptions led to a project redesign targeted towards a previously under-recognised but crucially important stakeholder in agricultural extension training for gender sensitivity – that of the tutors in the agricultural training colleges.
- Agricultural Resilience and value addition: The session highlighted how pastoral communities in East Africa are benefiting from research that plans for broader competencies, not just technical data, with examples from the Gender and Milk Value Addition project in Kiruhura District, Uganda, led by Dr. Peter Musinguzi and Dr. Judith Nagasha, both of Kyambogo University, Uganda.
The discussion concluded with a powerful reflection on the evolving role of the researchers, as no longer just producers of evidence, but active contributors to societal change. It should be noted that impact happens when partners and communities are aligned from day one. A ToC should be reviewed and revised regularly as the project environment shifts.