The theory of change for conservation enterprises assumes that by supporting the enabling conditions for conservation enterprises, stakeholders will receive benefits that lead to changes in their attitudes and behaviors, leading to a reduction in threats to biodiversity. The Conservation Enterprises Learning Agenda highlights the key assumptions in this theory of change which are represented by the arrows in the graphic below.
Purpose and Context
The Learning Agenda is composed of learning questions related to the key assumptions underlying the theory of change for conservation enterprises. This Learning Agenda explores the conditions under which a specific strategic approach is successful in achieving desired outcomes, and why, in order to improve USAID’s biodiversity programming.
Download the Learning Agenda
Framework: Theory of Change
Using the theory of change for conservation enterprises, a literature review (available below) and consultations with this Collaborative Learning Group, an initial Learning Agenda was developed based on this theory of change and USAID's ongoing experience. The Learning Agenda will evolve based on the needs of the group.
View the full theory of change
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Conservation Enterprises Learning Agenda
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| Learning Questions |
Envisioned Learning Activities |
Proposed Learning Products |
Use/Value of Learning Products |
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1. Are enabling conditions in place to support a sustainable enterprise?
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Group members share their experience and learn about best practices in building the enabling conditions for enterprise participation
To support this activity, MI will conduct a review of publications and synthesis of best practices on enabling conditions for enterprises
MI will also facilitate presentations for and discussions within the Learning Group based on the findings |
Contributions to the online repository of lessons (posted on the wiki)
An annotated bibliography of the literature and a synthesis of best practices (posted on website)
Webinars, virtual peer assists, and/or in-person presentations or study tours for the Learning Group and others
Brief on enabling conditions for conservation enterprises
A checklist of considerations for conducting an assessment of enabling conditions for use in project design or start-up |
The Learning Products will help USAID:
Identify the enabling conditions for enterprises at the needed scale and sustainability to achieve desired biodiversity conservation results
Prioritize investments in supporting the various enabling conditions for the enterprise |
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2. Does the enterprise lead to benefits for stakeholders?
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Groups share their experience and learn about the evidence base to support key assumptions in the theory of change for conservation enterprises
To support this activity, MI will conduct a retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of an enterprise approach to biodiversity conservation (especially focused on questions 2 and 3) that includes conducting interviews and site visits with selected enterprise programs
MI will also facilitate presentations for and discussions within the Learning Group based on the findings
Based on the findings from the assessment, MI will develop a directory of resources for conservation enterprise design and implementation that encompasses situation analysis and definition of the theory of change. |
Contributions to the online repository of lessons (posted on the wiki)
A report summarizing the purpose, methods, and findings from the retrospective assessment (posted on website)
A directory of resources for conservation enterprise design and implementation that encompasses situation analysis and definition of the theory of change
Case study vignettes of 2-3 of the conservation enterprise approaches that can be used to illustrate key points
Webinars and/or in-person presentations of the results to the Learning Group and others
Discussions via Google group emails and webinars |
The Learning Products will help USAID determine:
If supporting conservation enterprises may be the most strategic approach to biodiversity conservation
What contribution a conservation enterprise approach can potentially make to achieving the desired reductions in threats to (or restoration of) biodiversity
How a conservation enterprise approach fits within the broader context of their conservation activity |
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3. Do the benefits realized by stakeholders lead to positive changes in attitudes and behaviors?
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4. Do positive changes in stakeholders’ behaviors lead to a reduction in threats to biodiversity (or restoration)?
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5. Does a reduction in threats (or restoration) lead to conservation?
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