J.26_ICAN_CLA_annex.docx

J.26 Collaborating, Learning and Adapting Approaches

A Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) focus helps ensure that programming is coordinated, grounded in evidence, and adjusted as necessary to remain relevant and effective throughout implementation.

An intentional, systematic, and resourced approach to CLA includes:

· Generating, capturing, sharing, analyzing, and applying information and knowledge, including performance monitoring data, findings from evaluations, research, practice, and experience;

· Identifying potential gaps in technical knowledge, and developing plans to fill them;

· Engaging with key stakeholders, including local thought leaders, beneficiaries, partner governments, and other development actors to understand the country context, design projects and activities appropriately, and keep abreast of changes;

· Coordinating efforts within the Mission and among partners and other development actors to increase synergies to extend the activity’s influence and impact beyond its life and funding;

· Pausing periodically to reflect on new learning and knowledge and adapting accordingly; and

· Ensuring that sufficient resources are mobilized to support these processes.

Key considerations for CLA approaches include the following:

· CLA efforts should build upon and reinforce existing processes and practices as much as possible rather than creating new ones. Instituting these approaches takes time, and change is likely to be incremental.

· Collaboration and coordination should be approached strategically. Collaboration helps break down sectoral and institutional stovepipes; validates USAID/Uganda programs against experience and local/contextual knowledge; and enhances the ability of Government of Uganda, development and non-governmental organizations, private sector, and individuals to define and pursue their development agendas while informing USAID’s work. While the value of collaboration is clear, it takes time and so should be guided by USAID/Uganda priorities.

· Tacit, experiential, and contextual knowledge are crucial complements to research and evidence-based knowledge. USAID should value and use all forms of knowledge in the development of strategies, projects, and activities and the ways to manage them adaptively.

· Implementing partners and local and regional actors play a central role in USAID’s efforts to be a learning organization. Knowledge and learning should be documented, disseminated, and used to help spread effective practices widely for improved development.

· Use of high-impact proven practices, based on empirical evidence