November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning LabsDesigning STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 1 Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs Gender Equality Workshop Report New Delhi, India 27th and 28th November, 2023 November 2023 November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 2 Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs Harsha Jain1, Deepali Chadha2, Hom N Gartaula2, Prama Mukhopadhyay2, Kritika Goel2, Anusha Dwevedi1, Richa Shivhare1, Ranjitha Puskur2 1 Sattva Consulting, India 2 International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), India Citation: Jain, H., Chadha, D., Gartaula, H.N., Mukhopadhyay, P., Goel, K., Dwevedi, A., Shivhare, R., and Puskur, R. (2024). Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs. Proceedings of the stakeholder engagement workshop, 27-28 November 2023, New Delhi, India. CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Design and Layout by Devi Prasad Mahapatra Submitted by: Sattva Consulting Pvt. Ltd. #294/295, 2nd Floor, Amar Jyothi Layout Domlur, Bangalore 560071, India November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 3 Table of Contents Acronyms and Abbreviations 4 1. Background 5 2. The CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+) 5 3. Workshop Objectives 7 4. Day 1 7 4.1. Session 1: Introduction 7 4.2. Session 2: ToC Orientation and Roles and Responsibility Alignment 8 4.2.1. West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab 9 4.2.2. Nuapada Onion Learning Lab 10 4.3. Session 3: Plenary and Conclusion 12 5. Day 2 12 5.1. Session 1: Recap of Day 1 12 5.2. Session 2: Introduction to a Common ToC and Discussion on STIBs 12 5.3. Session 3: Introduction to Results-Based Management (RBM) Framework 13 6. Key Takeaways and Next Steps 13 Annexures 14 Annexure 1: List of participants 14 Annexure 2: Workshop agenda 15 Annexure 3: Discussions on Learning Lab ToCs 16 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab 16 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab 22 November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 4 Abbreviations and Acronyms AHO Assistant Horticulture Officers ATARI Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute ERS Eastern Regional Station GAPS Good Agricultural Practices HER+ Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agri-food Systems ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research IEC Information, Education and Communication IRRI International Rice Research Institute IVRI Indian Veterinary Research Institute KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra LL Learning Labs LMIC Low and Middle-Income Countries NGO Non-Governmental Organization PRADAN Professional Assistance for Development Action SCSP Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan SEVA Society for Voluntary Action STIBs Socio-Technical Innovative Bundles STSP Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan SVA Sahabhagi Vikash Abhiyan RBM Results-Based Management RT Research Technician ToC Theory of Change WorldVeg World Vegetable Center Gender Equality Workshop Report November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 5 1. Background Climate change is exacerbating the uncertainty and risks faced by farmers and other food systems actors in unprecedented ways, specifically the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Smallholder farmers are having to contend with the growing intensity and frequency of shocks such as flooding, extended drought, and climate variability, requiring greater resilience to sustain and improve their livelihoods. The choices and opportunities farmers have vary widely with the context they are living in, and each decision they make comes with its associated risks and trade-offs. Evidence suggests that the impact of climate change is not gender-neutral (UN Women, 2022)1. It disproportionately impacts women farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities. Social and gender norms often create additional barriers for them. While adopting innovative technologies is crucial for building resilience, women are frequently excluded during their design (Nelson and Huyer, 20162; Terefe and Williams, 20213). It is thus important to apply an intersectional lens to understand vulnerabilities and resilience. It is equally crucial to recognize that technology adoption is only a means to an end that should lead to empowerment as well as strengthen the resilience of women farmers. The CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+ Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agri-food Systems) aims to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable women in food systems in the global South. 2. The CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+) Together with partners, the CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+) aims to support women increase their agency, acquire and gain control over resources that would facilitate their path towards empowerment, help them adapt to climate change, and be resilient to shocks and stresses through higher adaptive capacity. Additionally, the initiative aims to position women as partners and drivers of climate change solutions. 1 UN Women (2022) Explainer: How gender inequality and climate change are interconnected. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2022/02/explainer-how-gender-inequality-and-climate-change-are-interconnected (Accessed: 5 December 2023) 2 Nelson, S. and Huyer, Sophia (2016) A Gender-responsive Approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture: Evidence and guidance for practitioners. Copenhagen, Denmark: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/73049 (Accessed: 5 December 2023). 3 Terefe, B. and Williams, F. (2021) ‘Addressing social norms to help women access agricultural technologies’, The GFAiR Blog, 15 October. Available at: https://blog.gfar.net/2021/10/15/addressing-social-norms-to-help-women-access-agricultural-technologies/ (Accessed: 5 December 2023). Gender Equality Workshop Report https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2022/02/explainer-how-gender-inequality-and-climate-change-are-interconnected https://hdl.handle.net/10568/73049 https://blog.gfar.net/2021/10/15/addressing-social-norms-to-help-women-access-agricultural-technologies/ November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 6 Four dimensions [addressed in four work packages (WPs)] achieve the intended goals of the HER+ Initiative. Work Package 2 (EMPOWER: Bundled Innovations for Women’s Empowerment and Resilience) is aimed at developing and testing context-specific bundles of social and technical innovations (STIBs4). The STIBs are designed with the objectives of achieving women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and their engagement as partners and drivers of climate change solutions. To achieve these objectives, WP 2 is setting up pilot Learning Labs5 (LL) -- multi-sectoral, multi- stakeholder, and multi-disciplinary spaces where practice and research interact, and learning occurs through the design and implementation of context-specific socio-technical innovation bundles (a suite of activities/interventions). In collaboration with various partners, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) set up the following two LLs in India: I. West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab - Set up in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), this LL is embedded within the government schemes of Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (STSP) that ICAR-IVRI is managing in Balarampur (South 24 Parganas - S24P) and Makaltala (North 24 Parganas - N24P) villages. The LL aims to improve the climate resilience and livelihoods of women farmers belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) in Balarampur and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Makaltala through poultry and goat farming, respectively. II. Nuapada Onion Learning Lab6 - This LL is embedded within the Onion Value Chain Project of the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), supported by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. The LL will be operating in four villages (Danojhola, Larki, Semelpali, and Kantapali) of Nuapada district in Odisha and will aim at increasing the production and entrepreneurial skills of small and marginal women farmers working in the onion value chain. A series of workshops was conducted to engage various HER+ partners, farmers, and other relevant organizations. Through this participatory approach, stakeholders identified, prioritized, and developed STIBs for implementation in their respective LLs. The workshops informed the creation of a Theory of Change (ToC) and Results-Based Management Framework (RBM). A subsequent workshop in November 2023 refined these concepts, integrated them into the RBM framework to align with the ToC7, and enabled the LLs to develop a comprehensive work plan. This report details the proceedings of this workshop. 4 Context-specific bundles of social and technical innovations (STIBs) are integrated solutions tailored to address unique challenges within a specific environment. Combining social innovations such as reforms of institutions and cultural practices with technical advancements such as new technologies or processes, these bundles aim to create comprehensive approaches that resonate with and effectively meet the needs of a particular context or community. 5 “Learning Lab" refers to a place dedicated to work, to manufacturing something, and a place dedicated to scientific experimentation. It refers to both practice (creating something) and research (experimenting about learning). Source: Sanchez, E., et.al. (2021) ‘What do you mean by learning lab?’ Education and Information Technologies, 27(1), pp.1-20. doi: 10.1007/s10639-021-10783-x 6 The project has been relocated from Balangir to Nuapada district in Odisha. Since both districts have similar contexts, existing implementation plans can still be applied. 7 This workshop led to the finalization of ToCs for both the LLs. The final ToC and the narratives can be found at Narrative Report: Theory of Change - West Bengal - Livestock Learning Lab and Theory of Change - Nuapada Onion Value Chain Learning Lab https://hdl.handle.net/10568/138961 https://hdl.handle.net/10568/138961 https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/38aa3d73-1d4a-4307-94fb-d4624b098cd6 November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 7 3. Workshop Objectives As a continuation of the work done in previous workshops8 conducted for the LLs led by IRRI, another workshop was conducted in Delhi on 27-28 November 2023. The objectives of this workshop were: ▪ To create a space where LL partners can collaborate, re-align, and plan the way forward (with a focus on a baseline study); ▪ To familiarize LL partners with the ToC9 and the RBM10 framework; and ▪ To co-design the overall ToC for the LLs. The expected outputs of the workshop were: ▪ Partners of the LL are well acquainted with the ToC and the RBM; ▪ Partners understand their roles and responsibilities in the LL; and ▪ Draft a common ToC for both LLs. The workshop employed a combination of plenary sessions to introduce larger concepts and breakout groups for in-depth discussions specific to each LL (see Annexures 1 and 2 for the participants and agenda). Plenary sessions covered the overall progress on STIBs, introduced the ToC, RBM, and the common ToC. Following the introductions, LL partners delved deep into their specific LL's ToC, RBM, and work plans in dedicated breakout groups. After each discussion, participants reconvened in the plenary session to share reflections and facilitate knowledge exchange between the LLs. 4. Day 1 4.1. Session 1: Introduction The two-day workshop started with an introductory note by Dr Ranjitha Puskur - IRRI’s Principal Scientist and the Lead of Work Package 2 of the HER+ Initiative. She introduced the initiative and spoke about the objectives of the program. She briefed the participants about how women in the agri-food system face unique challenges, especially in the context of rapid climate change, and limited access to resources and opportunities, due to deeply entrenched gendered social norms. 8 Stakeholder Consultation Workshops on 18-19 July 2023 in Kolkata and 1-2 August 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Workshop on Designing Gender-Responsive Innovation Bundles and Theory of Change Framework for Learning Labs on 3-4 August 2023 in Bhubaneswar. 9A Theory of Change (ToC) maps out how interventions, backed by evidence, lead to specific development goals. It clarifies the cause-and- effect chain linking activities to desired outcomes. Source: Theory of Change: UNDAF companion guidance. June 2017. Source: https://unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/UNDG-UNDAF-Companion-Pieces-7-Theory-of-Change.pdf 10 RBM is a management strategy by which all actors, contributing directly or indirectly to achieving a set of results, ensure that their processes, products, and services contribute to the achievement of desired results (outputs, outcomes and higher level goals or impact). Source: https://unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/UNDG-RBM-Handbook-2012.pdf https://unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/UNDG-UNDAF-Companion-Pieces-7-Theory-of-Change.pdf https://unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/UNDG-RBM-Handbook-2012.pdf November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 8 Figure 1. Dr. Ranjitha Puskur acquainting participants with CGIAR’s Gender Equality (HER+) Initiative and the objectives of the workshop. She highlighted how climate-smart technical and technological innovations exist but see very low uptake by women in agriculture due to a lack of awareness and access. Other prominent reasons for low uptake include standardized designing of technical and technological innovations without a gender and/or contextual lens and implementation of innovations in isolation that do not counter the contextual structural biases. The initiative of bundling social and technical innovations and piloting them through the LLs would thus help introduce context-specific technical and technological interventions with social innovations to increase climate resilience among women. 4.2. Session 2: ToC Orientation and Roles and Responsibility Alignment Following the opening address and introduction, the participants were divided into two groups: the West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab and the Nuapada Onion Learning Lab. The purpose of the breakout sessions was to: ▪ Critically evaluate the ToC specific to each LL and offer constructive feedback; ▪ Define the roles and responsibilities of each partner within the program based on the activities outlined in the ToC; and ▪ Identify opportunities for collaboration between the partners. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 9 Figure 2. Harsha Jain (Senior Consultant, Sattva Consulting) introducing the Theory of Change for the Learning Labs. 4.2.1. West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab The West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab has two subgroups: ▪ South 24 Parganas, Balarampur village, SC households with poultry; and ▪ North 24 Parganas, Makaltala village, ST households with goats. The participants in the discussion included representatives from IVRI, Society for Voluntary Action (SEVA), Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), Change Initiatives, IRRI, and Sattva Consulting. Figure 3. Partners of the West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab discussing the Theory of Change. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 10 The stakeholders carefully examined each pathway outlined in the ToC to assess the activities, comprehend their respective roles and responsibilities, and articulate the sub-activities as well as the steps to be taken after the workshop (Annexure 3). Key discussion points centered around the following: 1. A list of criteria for the selection of lead women farmers who will be facilitators for the LLs and also help document the learning process, was discussed. As they can serve as a bridge between the bundle of innovations and multiple stakeholders, they will need to be women with strong networks in the village. Some of the criteria identified for their selection include (in no particular order) the ability to read, sign documents, and speak the local language; have access to a smartphone and family support to pursue this role, and the time to manage the responsibilities of this role. 2. It was agreed to build a single information hub for both villages with general information (climate change mitigation strategies, calendars listing the probability of extreme climate events, information about veterinary centers, and government policies, etc) and tailored information (specific to goat and poultry rearing). 3. Partners discussed the need to identify and include the departments responsible for climate contingency plans in the long run to ensure sustainability after HER+ partners exit the project villages. 4. Access to credit is crucial for women farmers for activities such as building and maintaining poultry/goat sheds. Thus, training on financial literacy and hand-holding support is necessary. 5. The partners agreed that activities for formal collectivization (such as the formation of producer groups) should be excluded due to extensive monitoring requirements that are contractually and legally binding (such as, feeding for goats should stop 6 hours before their sale). Currently, monitoring requirements can be included in the existing training capsules as good practices while women can be educated about the benefits of collective selling. 6. As part of improved fodder mechanisms, IVRI will distribute chaff cutters to women farmers. These mechanical devices chop hay, straw, and forage into small pieces, improving livestock feeding, digestion, and saving farmers time and labor. 7. Under the program: ▪ IVRI will provide technical (and some technological) inputs and support. ▪ PRADAN will capacitate local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in conducting trainings and providing support to local NGOs wherever required. ▪ Change Initiatives and SEVA will provide social innovation support such as gender sensitization training, identify lead farmers, set up platforms to create awareness on climate adaptation practices, and provide handholding support to women farmers in Makaltala and Balarampur, respectively. They will be supported by PRADAN in implementing these activities. 4.2.2. Nuapada Onion Learning Lab The participants in the discussion on the Nuapada Onion Learning Lab included representatives from WorldVeg, Sahabhagi Vikash Abhiyan (SVA), IRRI, and Sattva Consulting. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 11 Figure 4. Partners of the Nuapada Onion Learning Lab discussing the Theory of Change. The stakeholders went through each of the pathways in the ToC to review the activities, understand their roles and responsibilities, and define the sub-activities and next steps to be followed after the workshop (Annexure 3). The major discussion points included the following: 1. SVA will be responsible for social interventions under the project, including gender sensitization training for field staff, identifying and training local women advisors in the project villages, and assisting with creating market linkages. 2. The gender sensitization training will be extended to all social mobilizers in the region -- 14 Assistant Horticulture Officers (AHOs), 3-4 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) staff, Mission Shakti block- level officers, and 6 Research Technicians (RTs) -- since they are a major point of contact for women farmers seeking cultivation-related assistance. 3. An onion knowledge bank will be created by leveraging IRRI’s rice-based systems knowledge bank. Both SVA and WorldVeg can host their information, education and communication (IEC) materials on the onion value chain on it, for access by all the relevant stakeholders. 4. The partners felt that the project should not proceed with training sessions on processing and value addition until a market study is done on the demand for different value-added onion products and their viability. The results of the study will determine if the activity/pathway is to be retained. 5. WorldVeg will be responsible for the technical and technological interventions under the project, including capacity-building training on good agricultural practices (GAPs), seed production, post- harvest activities, providing best-fit climate-resilient varieties of seeds and alternatives to harmful pesticides, and raising awareness about agrochemicals. The discussion also addressed the fact that given the limited number of women onion farmers in the project villages, the LL partners will reconsider the type of assessment. Since it is premature to determine which combination of STIBs is effective, the emphasis could be on evaluating the general effectiveness of STIBs. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 12 4.3. Session 3: Plenary and Conclusion In this session, partners from the two LLs summarized their deliberations, providing an opportunity for the LLs to exchange ideas and integrate valuable perspectives into their respective ToCs. Notably, the Nuapada LL outlined plans for gender sensitization training targeting family members, horticulture officers, and RTs, prompting partners in the West Bengal LL to recognize the importance of a similar activity within their own LL. The discussion on a common ToC was moved to the next day. 5. Day 2 5.1. Session 1: Recap of Day 1 The second day of the workshop started with a recap and reflection of the events and activities from the preceding day. Sharing their thoughts, the participants found the discussions fruitful, providing them greater clarity on their roles and responsibilities within the project. The concept of STIBs (and bundling) was also clearer after discussing the ToC. The ToC framework additionally facilitated a clearer comprehension of the activities and their corresponding outcomes. The partners noted that while previous discussions focused on individual activities, now there was a better understanding of how these activities contribute to a broader CGIAR initiative and its overall impact. This will enable partners to consider replicability more comprehensively and provide an opportunity for LLs to share and integrate each other's ideas into their respective ToCs. The WorldVeg team mentioned how “the more rigorous approach taken to make a more intensive ToC has been very helpful”, and expressed their intention to replicate the same when designing their other programs. A similar sentiment was shared by the IVRI team for one of their projects in Maharashtra. The discussions were summarized as a mix of “convergence and collaboration”, leading to “a convergence of ideas and activities”. 5.2. Session 2: Introduction to a Common ToC and Discussion on STIBs Following the reflection session, Dr Hom Gartaula (Senior Scientist, Gender and Social Research, Gender and Livelihoods Research Group, IRRI) introduced the common ToC, explaining the outcomes and impact of the CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality Work Package 2. The participants were also introduced to the concept of bundles of social and technical innovation (STIBs) and how they will be implemented in the LLs. Dr Gartaula showcased examples of STIBs, re-mapped the journey of identifying context-specific STIBs for the two LLs, and highlighted the key activities identified under each. He emphasized the importance of a participatory approach for the success of the LLs. The introduction to STIBs and the common ToC ended with a Q&A session: 1. Dr Arnab Sen [Head of Regional Center (HoRC) and Station-in-Charge, Eastern Regional Station (ERS), IVRI] stated that “the discussion around STIBs and climate change has been limited to mitigation strategies while the program's impact is climate mitigation and adaptation". He wished to know how STIBs are addressing climate change and introducing climate-smart solutions (climate-smart refers to solutions that are “isolated and safe from the effects of climate change”). https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/socio-technical-innovation-bundles-stibs-for-womens-empowerment-and-resilience-in-the-agrifood-system/ November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 13 In response, Dr Mahesh Chander (Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Extension Education, ICAR-IVRI) remarked that in the West Bengal LL, the program introduces activities to improve feed availability. Livestock and their feed-related activities contribute to huge methane emissions that can be curbed by improving feeding mechanisms contributing to climate adaptability. 2. Another query revolved around the innovative aspect of STIBs since activities discussed under the program are already being implemented in different geographies. Dr Gartaula explained that the innovation lies in the bundles themselves, even if the individual activities within them have been previously tested. The LL aims to pilot various bundles with a diverse combination of activities, intending for these models to be replicable. Additionally, innovation is reflected in how these bundles are implemented within existing programs. Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay (Associate Scientist, Gender and Social Research, IRRI) added that the gendered aspect of the project is another important innovation. She emphasized that despite the numerous technologies in agriculture, evidence suggests that women are unable to access and make use of them, underlining that STIBs actively aim to target technology and women. 5.3. Session 3: Introduction to Results-Based Management (RBM) Framework The second day was dedicated to discussing the draft RBMs for the two LLs. The RBMs are crucial to inform decision-making on the design, resourcing, and delivery of programs and activities as well as for accountability and reporting. The partners were introduced to the concept of RBMs and how to read and understand the framework. Following this, the LL partners broke into two groups. The Nuapada Onion LL partners reviewed all the indicators in the RBM, and committed to its timelines and targets for the outputs and outcomes. The West Bengal Livestock LL partners opted to discuss the roles and responsibilities further due to the larger number of stakeholders in the project. The discussion on the roles and responsibilities led to creating a work plan detailing the next steps. 6. Key Takeaways and Next Steps As the workshop drew to a close, the discussions proved to be productive, helping the partners identify the organizations accountable for different activities and most importantly, identifying areas of collaboration. As intended, the ToC for the two LLs was finalized. The RBM for the Nuapada Onion LL underwent a comprehensive round of discussion, while the West Bengal LLs opted to convene online for discussions and finalization of their RBM. Looking ahead, many partners emphasized the importance of a structured collaboration. To address this, the IRRI team will set up a monthly call and/or a quarterly partner reporting format to facilitate transparent sharing of knowledge, fieldwork findings, mechanisms, and processes among partners. The reporting structure will enable the partners to communicate progress on the activities they are overseeing. The IRRI team proposed three stakeholder reflection workshops in 2024 to assess the project’s progress, learning, and challenges. These will provide opportunities for women farmers, project partners, and on- field staff to reflect on their experiences, collaboratively identify successes and areas for improvement, and contribute to systematic reporting and documentation. Additionally, partners from both Learning Labs have planned joint field visits to exchange knowledge, understand the work carried out by each organization, assess infrastructural facilities and gaps in villages, and formulate action plans to implement activities. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DTX8UM686zoDaeiLdlf-C0e_a2UkvdlqOdNr0Wf_PfM/edit#gid=0 November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 14 Annexures Annexure 1: List of participants. S.N. Name of participant Designation Organization 1 Dr Ranjitha Puskur Country Representative IRRI 2 Dr Hom N Gartaula Senior Scientist IRRI 3 Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay Associate Scientist IRRI 4 Dr Deepali Chadha Assistant Scientist IRRI 5 Ms Kritika Goel Assistant Manager IRRI 6 Ms Richa Shivhare Senior Engagement Manager Sattva Consulting 7 Ms Harsha Jain Senior Consultant Sattva Consulting 8 Ms Anushka Dwivedi Associate Consultant Sattva Consulting 9 Dr Mahesh Chander Principal Scientist and Head Division of Extension Education, IVRI 10 Dr Arnab Sen Head of Regional Center (HoRC) and Station-in-Charge IVRI-ERS, Kolkata 11 Dr AK Das Principal Scientist IVRI-ERS, Kolkata 12 Ms Anuradha Chatterjee General Secretary SEVA 13 Mr Sourangshu Banerjee Team Coordinator PRADAN 14 Mr Ravishankar Manickam Senior Horticulturist WorldVeg 15 Ms Jhumpa Ghosh Director Change Initiatives 16 Mr Jagadish Pradhan President-cum-Director SVA 17 Ms Subhashree Pradhan Program Director SVA November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 15 Annexure 2: Workshop agenda. Time Agenda Lead Day 1: Monday, 27th November 2023 9:30 - 10:00 Introduction to Participants/Icebreakers Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Ms Harsha Jain - Sattva Consulting 10:00-10:30 Setting Expectations from the 2- day Workshop (Background /Progress/Workshop Objective) Dr Hom Gartaula - IRRI 10:30-10:45 Health break (tea/coffee) + Group Photo 10:45-1:00 Breakout 1 ToC orientation and showcase + R&R alignment WB – Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Odisha – Ms Harsha Jain - Sattva Consulting/ Dr Deepali Chadha - IRRI 1:00-2:00 Lunch 2:00-3:00 Breakout 1 (Continued) ToC revision and finalisation WB – Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Odisha – Ms Harsha Jain - Sattva Consulting/ Dr Deepali Chadha - IRRI 3:00-3:30 Plenary: Presentations by WB group Dr Hom Gartaula - IRRI 3:30-4:00 Plenary: Presentations by Odisha group Dr Hom Gartaula - IRRI 4:00-4:15 Health break (tea/coffee) 4:15-5:30 Introduction to the Common ToC Dr Ranjitha Puskur Dr Hom Gartaula - IRRI 5:30-5:45 Concluding the day Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Day 2: Tuesday, 28th November 2023 9:00-9:30 Recap and reflection on Day 1 Ms Harsha Jain - Sattva Consulting 9:30-10:00 RBM Orientation Ms Harsha Jain - Sattva Consulting 10:00-11:00 Breakout 2 RBM walkthrough (including entire indicator list) WB – Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Odisha – Dr Deepali Chadha - IRRI Supported by Sattva Consulting 11:00-11:15 Health break (tea/coffee) 11:15-1:00 Breakout 2 RBM walkthrough (continued) WB – Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Odisha – Dr Deepali Chadha - IRRI Supported by Sattva Consulting 1:00-2:00 Lunch 2:00-3:00 Breakout 3 Plan for baseline study WB – Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI Odisha – Dr Deepali Chadha - IRRI Supported by Sattva Consulting 3:00-3:15 Health break (tea/coffee) 3:15-3:30 Concluding the workshop Dr Prama Mukhopadhyay - IRRI November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 16 Annexure 3: Discussions on Learning Lab ToCs. West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) Generic points 175 households (HHs): IVRI to provide 2 goats per HH to 50 HHs by January 2024. The remaining HHs will be covered in the next phase. 175 HHs: 100 HHs have been provided poultry birds by IVRI. The remaining 75 will be covered before March 2024. The increase in samples will have budget implications for the project. A combined field visit of all the partners in both the LL locations will be conducted to understand the infrastructure capacities of the two villages and to exchange knowledge among the three NGO partners and with IVRI, in the 2nd week of December in Balarampur and the 3rd week of December in Makaltala. LL partners IVRI and SEVA Include training/sensitization of family members and field staff as an activity/causal pathway in the ToC. Sattva Consulting Orient women groups to access information on Apps made by IVRI to let them know that such platforms exist. To be decided Pathway 1: Organising women into groups All the women to be provided training in goat rearing. Based on their interest, they will be split into two groups - breeders and fatteners. The germplasm can go to lead farmers who will Change Initiatives will take stock of existing local groups. IVRI and CI will decide if regrouping is required and how new beneficiaries/HHs can be efficiently consolidated into these Technical training (IVRI) Gender- and climate- responsive training (NGO partner) 11 The pathways mentioned here are from an older, unpublished version of the ToC used for discussions in this workshop. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 17 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) eventually become fatteners. existing groups. Gender- and climate- responsive training (NGO partners) Gender- and climate- responsive training (NGO partners) though IVRI has also engaged with women in some capacity Technical training (IVRI) Pathway 2: Identifying lead farmers SEVA will identify lead farmers in the village and IVRI will provide the training. Lead farmers already exist. Efforts will be made to recognize hidden leaders (to avoid monopoly by any single leader). SEVA Technical training (IVRI) Criteria for group organization and selection of lead farmers: 1. Obtain the consent of all women to function as a group 2. Ensure that at least 50% of the women in each group meet a certain level of education -- can read, sign documents, and speak the local language 3. At least one person in each group has a smartphone 4. At least one farmer (ideally the leader) has a shed/space for a shed 5. The lead farmer should have adequate support from the HH and family members to perform their daily tasks and dedicate time to group activities. Caveat: Activities by the lead farmer should not burden girls or children in the family, such as girl children dropping/missing school to help with November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 18 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) farming activities. 6. Lead farmers should represent different social groups and geographies. Exploring and identifying the incentive system for lead farmers Pathway 3: Creating awareness on climate adaptation and resilience practices There will be a single information hub for both the villages with general information (on climate change mitigation strategies, veterinary centres, government policies, etc) and tailored information (specific to goat and poultry rearing). The rationale behind this is that if a goat-rearing farmer also has poultry, the farmer can access good practices for poultry rearing as well. Change Initiatives SEVA, PRADAN, and IVRI Existing training capsules with IVRI and the NGO partners need to be exchanged to ascertain where additions can be made. For climate adaptation and resilient practices: 1. NGOs will document climate extremes and resulting issues farmers are currently facing, the existence of contingency plans, shelters, distance to vet hospitals and standard operation procedures (SoPs) in the villages and how gender responsive they are. This information will be put on the platforms. 2. IVRI will source contingency plans for disasters and prepare a SoP, including how to shift animals, fallback mechanisms after disasters, medication to be administered, etc. Based on the information, package of practices for different livestock will be prepared. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 19 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) 3. SEVA and Change Initiatives will train women farmers on using these packages and steps to take during extreme climate contingencies. The women will also be educated on the importance of disaster management and funds. If the women are keen, a fund pool can be created. 4. Change Initiatives (with support from IVRI) will develop a calendar showing the probability of extreme climate events in a particular month/day and the mitigation strategy to be followed for each event. The women will be trained to understand weather information (temperature, humidity, wind, etc). The SoPs will be converted into audio/visual content by Change Initiatives and be put on the platform. Suggestion: In the long run, departments responsible for climate contingency plans should be included in the project to ensure sustainability of plans after HER+ partners exit the program. Pathway 4: Capacity building training for entrepreneurs hip development The NGOs will exchange Letter of Agreements signed with IRRI to delineate each activity in the capacity building training. PRADAN SEVA and Change Initiatives IRRI will do a study with IVRI to understand the turkey value chain. Loans are crucial if women are to build and maintain sheds. PRADAN will train SEVA and CI to provide training on existing credit policies, accessing credit, financial support, and creating linkages with financial institutions. SEVA and CI will provide handholding services to women farmers to November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 20 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) access credit. Pathway 5: Access to market for sales of poultry and goats PRADAN will train women farmers on collectivization and its benefits. PRADAN SEVA and Change Initiatives Mechanisms - WhatsApp groups for now NGO partners IVRI (for weather updates) NGOs provide training on how to analyze and understand market prices, weather information, etc. Change Initiatives and SEVA will set up WhatsApp groups in coordination with local mandis (markets) for updates on market prices and information on the sale of poultry and goats. IVRI will connect women farmers to ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) for localized weather updates through WhatsApp. Discussion points on collectivization Formal collectives require a set of practices and checks. The legal and monitoring requirements will also require separate training. Thus, monitoring requirements (such as not feeding goats 6 hours before their sale) can be included as good practices in the current training capsule while women can be educated about the benefits of collective selling. Collective selling may not lead to higher prices because breeders often mix the stock of black Bengal goats with their existing breeds before PRADAN IVRI (providing digital weights) November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 21 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) selling them to fatteners. Since markets cannot differentiate between different breeds of goats, prices might remain low. IVRI will provide digital weighing machines to weigh goats/poultry while PRADAN will train them to weigh the livestock. PRADAN will connect lead farmers to traders and entrepreneurs so that women will have a pool of people to sell to after comparing the prices offered. NGO partners will also have a brainstorming session with women farmers to understand the modalities of marketing in their villages. PRADAN will build SEVA and CI's capacity to train women in making business plans. Pathway 6: Establishment of mechanisms to provide locally accessible The procurement of feed processing units has been delayed due to procedural delays. IVRI NGO partners (feed training) Silage is not possible due to flooding. Instead, feed blocks can be November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 22 West Bengal Livestock Learning Lab Discussion points Pathway in ToC11 Makaltala Balarampur Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) alternative feed sources explored. Chaff cutters can be made available to women (smaller pieces of fodder are better for goat health). Common land is available to grow fodder trees. IVRI will set up the mechanisms while NGO partners will train women on fodder practices and the use of tools and machinery. Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) Groundwork First identify the target groups and the villages. Currently, 35 farmers and 70-75 farmers will be targeted in the Rabi and Kharif seasons, respectively. WorldVeg Possibly, HER+ will relook at the type of assessment. It is too early to assess which combination of STIBs work; hence, the focus can be on assessing if STIBs work. The three partners will develop training modules ensuring that the technical training has inbuilt social components. 12 The pathways mentioned here are from an older, unpublished version of the ToC used for discussions in this workshop. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 23 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) Training on dietary diversity awareness among women farmers needs to be included. Currently, projects such as the National Millets have similar training. Thus, collaborations can be explored. SVA A possible idea could involve developing farmer interest groups and explore existing groups in the village, other NGOs, functional projects, etc. Identification (IRRI, SVA, and WorldVeg) Changes in ToC after identification (Sattva Consulting) Pathway 1: Gender sensitization training for on- field staff Currently, there are six male RTs, one in each district, who are the nodal point of contact for onion farmers under the project. SVA Gender sensitization training should include all social mobilizers/points of contact for women farmers in the area, such as 14 Assistant Horticulture Officers (AHOs), 3-4 KVK staff, Mission Shakti block level officers, and 6 RTs. SVA will lead the training. Components of gender sensitization can be borrowed from CGIAR’s Gender Action Learning System (GALS) IRRI It was decided to include local advisors in the gender sensitization training in the Nuapada onion LL. SVA will get back on whether similar or different training modules are needed for RTs, AHOs, and local women advisors. Pathway 2: Identification of key women farmers who will act as local advisors The number of local advisors to be identified will possibly be known after the target group is identified. SVA Local advisors will be identified once the target is determined. An advisor-to-farmer ratio of 1:10 should ideally consist of both young men and women who can provide institutional and technical knowledge to farmers while also supporting backward and forward linkages. https://gender.cgiar.org/tools-methods-manuals/gender-action-learning-system-gals November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 24 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) The team also discussed farmers’ willingness to pay for advisory services. While the advisors can now be paid through the project, it is necessary to devise an exit strategy once the project ends. IRRI/WorldV eg WorldVeg can also create an onion knowledge bank by leveraging IRRI’s existing rice-based systems knowledge bank/platform. Both SVA and WorldVeg can host their IEC materials for access by the relevant stakeholders. WorldVeg Pathway 3: Providing women-friendly machinery and tools for agronomic activities to reduce drudgery WorldVeg can currently provide weeders, motor/pumps/manual (to be decided) irrigation (tools) (machinery); and line sowing – nursery (technology). WorldVeg Efforts need to be made to identify the modality of tools distribution. Some of the aspects that need to explored are: • Selection process to distribute machinery/tools? • Channels of distribution for machinery/tools • Percentage of cost of machinery/tools shared by women There is a need to explore the tasks done by women in the onion value change and identify the ones that are most laborious. Additionally, access how women-friendly are the existing machinery/tools. IRRI WorldVeg Pathway 4: Providing environment- friendly alternatives to pesticides and awareness about agrochemicals Currently, WorldVeg is identifying alternatives to harmful pesticides and agrochemicals, which can either be produced by local FPOs, exported from other states (Tamil Nadu and Karnataka) or purchased online. WorldVeg To increase the adoption of protective measures while using agrochemicals, the following points IRRI and WorldVeg November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 25 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) were discussed: • Efforts could be made to identify and work with firms that produce protective gear/measures to influence them to make products that are women-friendly and are easier to wear for long hours. • Input dealers can provide some protective equipment free. • Currently, training/awareness sessions can focus on simple protective measures like using face masks, and wearing full body protective covering, etc. Pathway 5: Training on good agricultural practices (GAPs) and awareness on best-fit onion varieties The steps discussed include: • Assessing existing GAPs and how women- friendly they are; and • Developing IEC materials, platforms, and timelines for sharing the material. A possible idea is to show videos to groups of women in the village - explore Digital Green’s models WorldVeg A study under the SeedEqual project on channels of information dissemination preferred by women will be shared by IRRI with the WorldVeg team. IRRI WorldVeg provides onion seeds to farmers in the village. The possibility of exploring shallots and the local market for them was also discussed. WorldVeg Pathway 6: Establishing uninterrupted onion seed supply through seed production • WorldVeg facilitates the supply of best-fit climate-resilient seeds; ensures the participation of input dealers in crop cafeterias and demonstrations, and builds the capacity of women farmers for producing seeds. • Local women advisors can contribute to forming market linkages and spreading awareness about government policies for seed producers/entrepreneurs. WorldVeg November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 26 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) • Collective input procurement by women farmers can aid in the timely provision of seed. Pathway 7(a): Capacity building on processing and value-addition techniques Participants opined that the project should not conduct training sessions on processing and value addition until a market study is done on the demand for different onion products and their viability. Results of the study will inform the decision to retain the activity/pathway. WorldVeg Pathway 7(b): Capacity building on post- harvest activities, including grading, curing, and storage techniques WorldVeg and SVA will identify storage structures in the village and the barriers women farmers face in accessing them. Other discussion points include: • Storage structures can be made of bamboo and wire. Currently, small storage structures will be explored. • Building storage structures can be a potential job creation avenue. • It will be important to eventually explore collective storage facilities for economies of scale. WorldVeg will conduct the required training on storage techniques. WorldVeg Pathway 7(c): Establishing buyer-seller linkages At present, farmers sell their onion crop individually. For the next steps: • Farmers can leverage Krishi melas as a sales platform. • SVA can train women to act as intermediaries and sell produce collectively. • Agri-business experts at IRRI can train women on agroeconomics. WorldVeg IRRI Other points Dr Ranjitha Puskur will connect partners in the Nuapada LL with Jain Irrigation and the like to check their willingness to pilot some of their November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 27 Nuapada Onion Learning Lab Pathway in ToC12 Discussion pointers Point of Contact (Lead) Point of Contact (Support) products in the LL. IRRI will share the results of the study done for SeedEqual on information dissemination channels preferred by women. November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 28 Dr. Ranjitha Puskur, Principal Scientist - Gender and Livelihoods and Module Leader- Evidence, CGIAR GENDER Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), r.puskur@irri.org CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org We would like to thank all funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this Initiative, please visit this webpage. To learn more about this and other Initiatives in the CGIAR Research Portfolio, please visit www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio © 2023 CGIAR System Organization. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BYNC 4.0). | | | http://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/gender-equality/ http://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio https://twitter.com/CGIAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.facebook.com/onecgiar/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgiar https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuSEwWKAsoNwg6MJEI-qeA November 2023 | Designing STIBs and ToC Frameworks for Learning Labs 29 Dr. Ranjitha Puskur, Principal Scientist - Gender and Livelihoods and Module Leader- Evidence, CGIAR GENDER Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), r.puskur@irri.org CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org We would like to thank all funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this Initiative, please visit this webpage. To learn more about this and other Initiatives in the CGIAR Research Portfolio, please visit www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio © 2023 CGIAR System Organization. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BYNC 4.0). | | | http://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/gender-equality/ http://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio https://twitter.com/CGIAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.facebook.com/onecgiar/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgiar https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuSEwWKAsoNwg6MJEI-qeA