Outcome-based learning field guide : tools to harvest and monitor outcomes and systematically learn from complex projects

The outcome harvesting approach is adapted from the outcome mapping community, with an outcome defined as a significant change in the behavior, relationships, activities, or actions of the people, groups, communities, or organizations with whom a program works directly. By identifying and monitoring those changes that fall within the sphere of influence of a program, practitioners can understand the many often non-linear streams of outcomes that characterize that program’s contribution toward a development goal. Harvesting program information for outcome-based learning is a stakeholder-centered process that captures qualitative, tacit knowledge. The process includes substantiating and analyzing harvested knowledge collaboratively to communicate progress toward impact to clients, management, and partners. Tools are flexible to adapt to a program’s design and can provide useful details to inform the theory of change, implementation lessons, outcomes, and indicators.