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Assessing the Scalability of a Research and Development Project: Concepts,Framework and Assessment

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  • Anandajayasekeram, P.

Abstract

A good understanding of the scaling up process and a framework for analysing scalability is critical for informed decision making. In this paper a six step process is proposed to assess the scalability of an intervention/project. The approach was used to assess the scalability of the electronic voucher systems of Zambia and the Super Seeds Project in Zimbabwe. Estimated scalability indexes for these two projects were 77 and 85 respectively indicating the high potential for scaling up. The numerical score should not be viewed as carrying mathematical precision, because the scoring is based on subjective assessments. Through a validation process it was established that the approach is logically consistent and technically sound .The methodology also allows for a careful and methodological diagnosis of constraints to scaling-up. Key requirements to perform this analysis are a good understanding of the scaling up process in the local setting: effective participation and engagement of the key stakeholders, and external facilitator with no vested interest in the outcome. However mechanical application of the approach or superficial comparison of scalability indexes of different projects is likely to result in misleading conclusions. The model should be tested more broadly to assess its robustness and wider applicability. Acknowledgement : This paper is based on a research project originally commissioned by Vuna, a regional Climate Smart Agriculture Programme (operating from 2015 - 2018), and funded by the British Government s Department for International Development (DFID) as part of the United Kingdom s aid programme. However, the views and recommendations contained in this report are those of the author, and DFID is not responsible for, or bound by the recommendations made.

Suggested Citation

  • Anandajayasekeram, P., 2018. "Assessing the Scalability of a Research and Development Project: Concepts,Framework and Assessment," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 276970, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iaae18:276970
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.276970
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2003. "Scaling-Up the Impact of Good Practices in Rural Development : A Working Paper to Support Implementation of the World Bank’s Rural Development Strategy," World Bank Publications - Reports 14370, The World Bank Group.
    2. Davis, Jeff, 1991. "Spillover Effects of Agricultural Research: Importance for Research Policy and Incorporation in Research Evaluation Models," ISNAR Archive 310808, CGIAR > International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Davis, Jeffrey S., 1991. "Spillover Effects of Agricultural Research : Importance for Research Policy and Incorporation in Research Evaluation Models," 1991 Conference (35th), February 11-14, 1991, Armidale, Australia 145852, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    4. repec:wbk:wbpubs:4389 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. repec:fpr:2020br:19(1 is not listed on IDEAS
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