Social incentive nudges decrease prosocial behavior and diffusion of agricultural innovations in Uganda

Impact Assessment has traditionally played an accountability role in the CGIAR, providing evidence on the returns to research for development investments made in the System.  In addition, rigorous impact assessments can also test common assumptions underlying the theory-of-change of different CGIAR innovations and solutions to last-mile delivery problems. The learning role of impact assessment is suitable for the long and complex causal pathways to impact that are characteristic of CGIAR research.

SPIA is engaging CGIAR leadership in promoting a learning agenda for the System, putting value of learning not only from successes, but also from zero- or negative results for specific innovations. Such findings can provide valuable input for adjusting the research strategies or for updating the Theory of Change. Concrete examples on published non-positive results among CGIAR researchers are not common. A recently published paper, however, finds limitations of using Model Farmers to disseminate quality sweetpotato planting material in Uganda. These findings bring new research questions and testable hypotheses that could lead to alternative strategies to increase the uptake of nutritious crops.