This paper focuses on outcome monitoring and learning in multi-stakeholder research programmes by highlighting lessons from the Pathways to Resilience in Semi-arid Economies (PRISE) research consortium. While a number of articles and guidance documents have been written to share learning about working in large research programmes, many struggle to track and assess outcome level changes in a systematic manner and, consequently, use the data collected to adapt programme strategies and activities.

Building on the Rapid Outcome Mapping Approach (ROMA) developed by ODI’s Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) programme, the PRISE project tested the use of outcome mapping to capture changes in stakeholders’ behaviour and actions around the research process and results, and how they can ultimately lead to sustained changes in policy and practice.

This report is designed to support those working in monitoring and evaluation, and programme managers and researchers responsible for developing and working in climate change programmes and beyond. While PRISE is focused on climate resilience, many of the challenges and lessons learnt are applicable to other large-scale, transdisciplinary research and implementation programmes or consortia.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute