Using a theory of change to evaluate the impact of a conservation training programme: a practitioner's perspective

Abstract

Training plays a central role in the pursuit of conservation goals, and it is vital to know if it is having the desired effect. However, evaluating the difference it makes is notoriously challenging. Here, we present a practitioner's perspective on overcoming these challenges and developing a framework for ongoing evaluation of a conservation training programme. To do this, we first created a theory of change, describing the pathway of change we expect from training delivery to conservation impact. This provided the clarity and structure needed to identify indicators of change in the short, medium and long term. For data collection, we utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more complete understanding of the change expected and capture any that might be unexpected. However, the more time that passes since a training event, the more difficult it becomes to attribute results; in response, we shifted predominantly to the use of qualitative methods to understand the long-term results achieved. After 3 years of implementation, this framework has enabled us to measure the difference our training makes to individuals and their work, and to provide evidence for the contribution it makes to achieving conservation impact. We believe that the lessons learnt can be used to improve the evaluation of training activities across the conservation sector and maximize the impact they achieve.

Donor perspectives on strengthening capacity development for conservation

“…The Capacity Building for Conservation Conference series (in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019) has been an important first step in this process. This conference series has resulted in numerous outcomes, such as new collaborations, new funding relationships, improved communication, as well as the articles comprising this special theme in Oryx focused on conservation capacity development (Appleton et al, 2021; Sandbrook et al, 2021; Sterling et al, 2021; Abu-Bakarr et al, 2022; Bruyere et al, 2022; Campagnaro et al, 2022; Chao et al, 2022; Gerrie et al, 2022; Loffeld et al, 2022a,b; O'Connell et al, 2022; Porzecanski et al, 2022).…”

Capacity development for conservation

“…Resourcing future increases in capacity development activities One of the major drivers for the work outlined in this capacity for conservation theme has been that the impact of capacity development initiatives on halting the loss of biodiversity has not always been apparent to the wider conservation community. It can be hard to attribute the outcomes of capacity development initiatives, particularly given the time lag between action and impact, although methodologies are being tested, with some success, to improve this (Gerrie et al ., 2022). These long timescales can be problematic when donor funding cycles tend to be short (Echols et al, 2019).…”

Writing for conservation—a skill for life

“…The need to scale up capacity development in conservation strategically—including for individuals as authors, leaders and researchers—is now recognized (O'Connell et al, 2019; O'Connell & Carter, 2022). This was the theme of the September 2022 issue of Oryx, in which 14 teams of authors examined a range of issues, including resilience strategies (Loffeld et al, 2022) and training evaluation (Abu-Bakarr et al, 2022; Gerrie et al, 2022). Building on this by addressing support for authors, this issue of Oryx showcases the work of 10 teams of conservationists who have two things in common: at least one member of each team is an alumnus of the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) and has also attended a Writing for Conservation workshop offered jointly by CLP and the Oryx editorial office.…”