Concepts and approaches

Logical Framework Approach and Outcome Mapping – A constructive Attempt of Synthesis
There is an ongoing discussion about the usefulness of different approaches to planning and project/programme management. In particular Outcome Mapping has been presented by its developers as an alternative to the Logical Framework Approach (LFA). The authors of this paper argue that whilst the LFA is a much used standard that cannot be easily replaced by any other, Outcome Mapping introduces some extremely valuable notions into the methodological debate on aid effectiveness. They have consequently come up with a synthesis model that integrates valuable aspects of both approaches and promotes the use of practically oriented and strategically coherent planning, monitoring and evaluation tools for projects and programmes.

Only available in electronic form

   
Capitalising experiences on the research-extension interface
This study (conducted in collaboration with the Swiss College of Agriculture) presents preliminary insights on how to enhance the effectiveness of links between extension and research from case examples drawn from programmes of SDC's East Asia Division, as well as personal experiences and literature.
   
Only available in electronic form
    

Donor Interventions in Value Chain Development
This working paper is based on the insights of an extended online discussion on Value Chains in Rural Development. It highlights the most important issues that development agencies need to consider when they engage in value chain development in rural areas. The paper offers guiding principles for development practitioners and policy makers and points to further useful reading.

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Ending Poverty with Water Control and Market Access
This publication consists of a booklet and a CD. The booklet describes a highly successful approach that can assist small farmers to move out of poverty. It is based on three pillars – affordable water control technologies, functioning markets that make these technologies available on a large scale, and access to profitable markets for agricultural products. The approach originates from experiences in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and a range of other countries around the world. The CD presents the approach in an illustrative way – a self-explanatory powerpoint presentation leads through the elements of the approach, complemented by video clips in which involved actors explain their views.

Only available in electronic form
     

Innovative Approaches to Financing Extension for Agriculture and Natural Resources
This publication presents conceptual considerations on the emerging paradigms on financing extension services - privatisation and financial participation of users -  and analyses practical experience with a range of recently developed approaches. It aims at understanding the extent to which new paradigms and the resulting new approaches can offer viable solutions to the problems with conventional government and donor-financed extension services.

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The Extension Butterfly - a Model to Illustrate the Functions of Extension in the Context of Rural Development
We have packed the butterfly model on extension functions which was helpful for so many workshops and consulting assignments into a flyer which gives an overview of the model and into a more elaborate booklet.
The booklet is available as pdf and in print, the flyer only in print.

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Participatory Extension - Insights from Three Agricultural Development Projects in Africa
The study identifies principles of participation, methods of participation, and frame conditions favourable to participation based on the analysis of three projects, described and documented as successful cases concerning the participation, covering extension services run by governments and by NGOs. The study concludes with policy implications for strengthening participation in agricultural extension systems.

Available also in French (Vulgarisation participative - aperçus de trois projets de développement agricole en Afrique)

Not available as hard copies!