G03: Rigorous and relevant systematic evidence: lessons learned from mixed-methods approaches in microfinance, agricultural certification & rural development (Roundtable)

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G03

Rigorous and relevant systematic evidence: lessons learned from mixed-methods approaches in microfinance, agricultural certification & rural development (Roundtable)

Convenor:: Hugh Waddington (3ie and LSHTM)

Chair:: Marie Gaarder (3ie)

Stream:: G: Methods

Location:: D1

Start time:: 29 June, 2018 at 10:45
Time zone: Europe/London

Session slots:: 1

Short Abstract:

Commissioners and providers of systematic evidence can incorporate different approaches to answer questions to help marginalised people. The session draws on experiences of systematic evidence production (evidence maps and reviews) in agriculture, microfinance and rural development.

Long Abstract:

Presenters: Hannah Chirgwin, Maren Duvendack, Carlos Oya, Hugh Waddington

There are now more than 600 ongoing or completed systematic reviews of international development interventions and around 100 evidence maps. There is therefore much interest in commissioning and conducting evidence synthesis, to answer questions about what works, for whom, when, where, how and why in different contexts. Nevertheless, there are both practical and methodological challenges in ensuring systematic evidence is relevant and of high quality to help decision makers reach Sustainable Development Goals.

Commissioners and providers of systematic evidence can incorporate different approaches to answer questions to help marginalised people. Drawing on experiences in commissioning and conducting rigorous and relevant studies for policy makers and practitioners, the session has two aims. The first is to foster understanding and dialogue among researchers and commissioners of mixed-methods evidence synthesis in agriculture, rural development and microfinance. Second, the session will discuss lessons learned in user engagement, process management and methods, so that research synthesis addresses questions about inequality.

The session will feature examples of rigorous and relevant syntheses, that were supported by 3ie and the Campbell Collaboration International Development Coordinating Group (IDCG), as well as a discussion of lessons learned:

1. The effectiveness of agricultural certification schemes: systematic review.

2. The impact of microfinance: systematic review of systematic reviews.

3. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: systematic evidence map.

4. Lessons from mixed methods evidence synthesis.

Study authors will present the main findings from each study and share experiences in conducting mixed-methods evidence synthesis to answer questions relevant for addressing inequality.