Abstract
This Methods Note provides practical guidance for evaluating how comparative advantage (CA) is understood, applied, and used in CGIAR decision-making. Building on the Independent Science for Development Council’s technical work, it translates CA into an evaluative approach applicable to program evaluations, Center External Reviews, country evaluations, and thematic evaluations.
The Note distinguishes between conducting CA analysis and evaluating its quality and use. It introduces four evaluative lenses—evidence base; values and legitimacy; decision utility; and dynamic adaptation—to assess whether CA reasoning supports transparent, evidence-informed, and adaptive decisions about CGIAR’s role, partnerships, and resource allocation.
For CGIAR Portfolio evaluations, the Note presents a five-step approach: recognizing CA analysis; formulating evaluation questions; gathering evidence; assessing and synthesizing CA reasoning; and drawing conclusions. Practical tools, including a checklist and rubric, support evaluative judgment. By integrating CA into evaluation practice, the Note aims to strengthen accountability, learning, and reflection on CGIAR’s role within research-for-development systems.
Citation
Jersild, A., Armstrong, M., 2026. Comparative Advantage and Application to CGIAR Program Evaluation. Methods Note. Rome: CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES).
Author(s)
Amy Jersild, Matthew Armstrong
Publisher
CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), Evaluation Function
