Browsing by Author "Tsusaka, Takuji W."

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Evaluating the contribution of complex international research‑for‑development programmes to the sustainable development goals
(Springer, 2023) Lu‑Gonzales, Arlene; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Szabo, Sylvia; Kadigi, Reuben M. J.; Foglietti, Camilla Blasi; Park, Seree; Matthews, Zoe
While evaluation of research-to-policy projects is a fundamental aspect of measur- ing the impact of new knowledge, limited studies have examined evaluation methods in such projects, as well as how the evaluation can generate learning to facilitate the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study conducted a systematic literature review and found that the most commonly used methods for SDG contribution evaluation were Analytical Hierarchy Process (40.4%), Fuzzy TOPSIS (13.2%) and ELECTRE and SPADE Methodology (3.5% each). Rank- ing analysis was undertaken to determine priorities among the six “Big Wins” as defined for the UKRI-GCRF Trade Hub Project, as a case, where the ranking was exercised by the project partners across the globe. Results revealed that “nature and social factors” was better considered in international trade agreements as the prior- ity (36.4%) among others. Moreover, among the four “mechanisms” of the project, “knowledge, networks, and connectivity” was ranked as the top priority (56.9%), followed by “capacity building” (28.5%), “metrics, tools and models” (7.2%), and “improving the knowledge base” (4.6%). Mapping and evaluation revealed that the Big Wins of the Trade Hub contributed to ten out of the 17 SDGs. The most ful- filled goals were SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) in descending order. Furthermore, interaction analysis of the core SDGs revealed both synergy and tradeoff between different out- puts. The research articles reviewed for this paper showed no gold standard frame- work for assessing international development projects against the SDGs. Further research should develop a tool to capture holistic and synergistic contributions of the target outcomes of projects to sustainable development.
Reducing child undernutrition through dietary diversification, reduced aflatoxin exposure, and improved hygiene practices: the immediate impacts in central Tanzania
(Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2020) Anitha, Seetha; Muzanila, Yasinta; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Kachulu, Lizzie; Kumwenda, Nelson; Musoke, Mike; Swai, Elirehema; Shija, Jackson; Siambi, Moses; Bekunda, Mateete; Okori, Patrick; Monyo, Emmanuel S.
The study aimed to quantify the immediate effects of dietary diversification, food safety, and hygiene interventions on child undernutrition in four rural villages in Kongwa district of cen- tral Tanzania. One hundred mothers with their children of less than 24 months old were recruited for this study. The differ- ence-in-difference (DID) method was used to assess the effects of intensive intervention through a learning-by-doing process on the topic of aflatoxin free diversified food utilization and improved hygiene practices. Periodic anthropometric measure- ments were conducted on the 0th, 7th, 14th, and 21st days, and DID estimator showed the significant and positive average marginal effects of the intervention on Z-Scores being 0.459, 0.252, and 0.493 for wasting, stunting, and underweight, respectively. Notably, at the end of the study, the mean aflatoxin M 1 level in urine samples decreased by 64% in the intervention group, while it decreased by 11% in the control group. The study provides quantitative evidence on intensive 21-day training for mothers incorporating integrated technol- ogies yielded positive impacts on their children’s nutritional outcomes.
Towards a successful post COVID-19 transition of monitoring, evaluation, and learning in Complex Sustainability Science Research-to-Policy Projects
(MDPI, 2021-01) Sylvia Szabo; Brighton Nhau; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Kadigi, Reuben M. J.; Payne, Tanya; Kangile, Joseph Rajabu; Park, Kwang Soon; Couto, Matheus; Runsten, Lisen; Burgess, Neil D.
There is an emerging body of literature focusing on the COVID-19 livelihoods and envi- ronmental impacts, as well as the effects of the pandemics on evidence generation. However, little attention has been paid to how COVID-19 has—and is likely to continue to—affect monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems, specifically in the context of large sustainability science research-to-policy project consortia. Here, we provide a conceptual framework of MEL responsive- ness to COVID-19 effects and discuss the specific pathways to successful MEL transition. Using the UKRI GCRF TRADE Hub as a case study, we provide some examples of possible adjustments within the new context.