Abstract
The synthesis objective is to provide evaluative evidence across the three Science Group (SG) evaluations with key findings, conclusions and learnings guided by recommendations. The CGIAR 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy sets priorities for development solutions through 33 initiatives across three interlinked action areas: Systems Transformation, Resilient Agrifood Systems, and Genetic Innovation. CGIAR scientists working on these initiatives are organized into corresponding SGs. Aligned to the external SG Evaluations Terms of Reference and the 2022‒24 Multi-Year Workplan of CGIAR’s Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), one evaluation per SG was conducted. Evaluations were commissioned by the CGIAR System Council and executed by IAES with external evaluation support. In line with the CGIAR Evaluation Framework, Policy and Strategy, evaluations combined formative and summative aspects to support learning, steering, accountability, and evidence-based revision of the Portfolio. Evaluations covered SG portfolios from January 2022 to February 2024. This synthesis is based on analysis of the three evaluation reports and includes elements from case studies and deep dives, and results of the online survey and internal audit survey.1 Key users are the System Council, SG management, senior leadership team, centers for learning and steering, and external partners, e.g., funders, policymakers, and national governments and organizations.
Included in the report are a total of 35 evidence-based recommendations and 10 improvement areas based on SG evaluation findings. Themes include initiative relevance, organizational setup coherence, and outcome delivery efficiency. While SG theories of change clarified impact pathways, they revealed gaps in evidence use and portfolio coherence. Despite output progress, outcomes were limited due to budget constraints and short implementation periods. Financial resource allocation challenges and operational efficiency affected results, underscoring the need for mechanisms to enhance collaboration, stakeholder awareness, and adaptive management through improved monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact frameworks.
Explore evaluation reports and insights from each evaluation team:
- Systems Transformation Science Group Evaluation
- Resilient Agrifood Systems Science Group Evaluation
- Genetic Innovation Science Group Evaluation
Citation
CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). (2024). Evaluations of CGIAR’s Science Groups: Synthesis Report. Rome: IAES Evaluation Function. https://iaes.cgiar.org
Author(s)
N. Palmieri, B. Haussmann, J. Zake, M. Armstrong, D. Cekova; IAES: Svetlana Negroustoueva
Publisher
CGIAR's Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES)
