DST: Innovation Partnership For Rural Development (IPRD)- M&E Framework
STATUS: Current
PROJECT LEADER:
Van der Bergh, GM (Mr Gray),
Jacobs, PT (Dr Peter)OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Booysen, AS (Ms Denise),
Ndlovu, MP (Mr Phumlani),
Hart, TGB (Dr Tim), Jonas, S (Mr Siyanda),
Ramoroka, KH (Dr Kgabo), Mhula Links, AL (Ms Alex), Booyens, I (Dr Irma)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: ()
RESEARCH OUTPUTS:
Reflections on demonstrating development-oriented innovations in South AfricaDATASETS:
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Abstract
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its Chief Directorate: Science and Technology for Social Impact, has embarked on an initiative geared at support of between 8-15 technology demonstrations within 23 priority Rural District Municipalities (RDM). This programme is done in conjunction with a number of state line departments and is known as the Innovation Partnership for Rural Development (IPRD). DST identified the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) as a key partner in this initiative as the HSRC is ideally positioned to contribute evidence-based research to address key development priorities, with the specific aim of influencing policy design, development and decision-making throughout government. A monitoring and evaluation framework to inform and guide evidence-based policy support for innovation in public socio-economic infrastructure delivery and bolster effective management capacity within the RDMs does not exist and should therefore be designed, constructed and implemented.
The pirmary purpose of the current HSRC study is to design, construct and implement a customised Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to strengthen technology and innovation capabilities and learning within the targeted 23 (26) Rural District Municipalities. Specific objectives include:
1. Develop the IPRD-M&E framework based on relevant and tested innovation thinking as well as fit-for-purpose in the LRM and South African contexts for monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
2. Implement the fit-for-purpose IPRD-M&E framework across 5 RDMs and phase-1 demonstration projects (water, sanitation and ICTs).
3. Produce and disseminate policy-relevant and peer reviewed knowledge products (Innovation Dynamics Reports, policy briefs, technical briefs, and case studies) that showcase the impact of the IPRD.
4. Participate in learning platforms to share M&E findings, including presentation at the annual Rural Innovation Symposia.
