Developing capacities for agricultural innovation systems: Lessons from implementing a common framework in eight countries

This document provides a transversal analysis of the outcomes of the application of the TAP Common Framework (TAP CF) across the eight pilot countries of the CDAIS project (Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Lao PDR and Rwanda): whether and how the TAP CF was used, and how usable and useful it proved to be. The analytical framework is grounded in the principles of realist evaluation, which recognizes that projects work differently in different contexts and through different change mechanisms. We compared "context-mechanismsoutcomes" configurations across the 34 innovation niche partnerships and the eight countries, using mixed-method approaches and the data collected through the CDAIS MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) system. The comparative analyses consisted in drawing impact pathways, merging common patterns and refining the initial rough Theory of Change of the CDAIS project. A first set of results gives empirical insights into agricultural innovation agendas and processes in these countries, the capacities needed to successfully achieve demand-driven innovation initiatives and the capacities needed to set up a well-functioning agricultural innovation system at the country level. A second set of results identify the hindering and catalyzing factors of the project's impact pathways in the countries, exploring contextual features (maturity of the AIS, diversity of innovation niche partnerships) and project implementation modalities (AIS-embedded and participatory architecture, demand-led approach, multi-level and process-led approach). The report ends with recommendations for upgrading the TAP CF across its theoretical and practical dimensions, and for designing interventions and future investments based on demand-led capacity development approaches for strengthening agricultural innovation systems. The report is intended for a specialist audience of development professionals and academia working on approaches to support agricultural innovation and to develop capacities for agricultural innovation systems.