Assessment of the validity of Scaling Readiness theory of change in the design, implementation and monitoring of scaling strategies in two CGIAR-RTB funded scaling projects

Abstract

Between early 2019 and end of 2020 two CGIAR-RTB funded scaling projects employed the Scaling Readiness approach to guide their overall scaling activities and decisions. Scaling approach for flash drying of cassava starch and flour at small scale is a two-year scaling project that aimed at improving cassava processing at small-scale through gains in energy efficiency and reduced production costs. The objective was to expand the use of cassava as a source of income and as food for low-income producers, processors and consumers in Nigeria, Colombia and DRC. Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) Puree for Safe and Nutritious Food Products and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youths is another two-year scaling project that aimed to increase the utilization of OFSP puree in fried and baked products in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. The Scaling Readiness approach informed the development, implementation and monitoring of scaling strategies of the two projects towards their respective intervention objectives. The approach was envisaged to provide an overall decision support by encouraging critical reflection on the readiness of innovations and the actions needed to facilitate the scaling of innovations. As such, the two scaling projects served as case contexts to evaluate the level of validity of the theoretical assumptions behind the SR approach and its contribution to the overall scaling performance of the projects.