Our M&E framework is still under development, it should:

• be utilization-focused evaluation
• take a network approach
• have a systemic perspective
• use participatory methods

This means we will revisit our network maps (utilizing NetDraw) with our stakeholders, which is in line with the requirements of the PIPA approach. Additionally, we understand the farmers conference as an activity system for which we want to assess learning. To create suitable indicators in a participatory manner we are discussing the use of Outcome Mapping as a possible tool. The OM concept of Progress Markers is easily transmittable also to farmers, lends itself well to the network approach, is well-suited to learning oriented evaluation and might just generate generic enough indicators as to allow for comparison with potential future farmers conferences. The participatory evaluation will consist of three phases (ex-ante, during the conference, and ex-post)

(1) In the ex-ante phase we will visit farmers in Syria to discuss the storytelling-methodology for the conference. This will give us also a better idea of the issues we need to cover, which in turn will help us structure the knowledge co-produced and collected during the conference. For this visits we will design a simple systems diagramming questionnaire that will help us map farmers’ expectations. Ideally, parallel visits will take place in all participating countries.

(2) During the conference we will do another short questionnaire, to see if expectations were met and what learning (conceptual and behavioral) actually took place.

(3) Finally, a summative evaluation will bring all of this together and additionally assess relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of conference outputs and outcomes.