Knowledge Gap Mapping
A Knowledge Gap Map (KGM) is a management tool to signal both research and operational units where knowledge is incomplete or missing (i.e., the ‘gap’) and therefore can shape internal and external knowledge generation agendas.
The first objective of the KGM is to identify where existing knowledge of different intervention-outcome relationships is concentrated (knowledge bulge) and where it is lacking (knowledge gap). The first KGM exercise revealed a knowledge bulge around the effects of agricultural extension services on enhancing productivity. At the same time, a knowledge gap exists when it comes to the impacts of rangeland management techniques on climate change resilience.
The second objective of this KGM is to create a ‘clearinghouse’ mechanism to match knowledge gaps with projects or research units with the potential to address them. For example, the Neer-Tamba project in Burkina Faso will help increase understanding around the impacts of rangeland management on climate change resilience. In addition, an online platform will enable stakeholders to track knowledge production in the clearinghouse pipeline.
The third objective is to raise knowledge-driven investment-warnings by enabling decision-makers to prioritize proven strategies, adapt where results are weak, and reorient resources effectively. For example, our knowledge about agricultural extension services suggest their impact on productivity is weak, indicating a need to use adaptive management to improve results.
As a long-term approach, IFAD plans to use this KGM to influence future project designs, research, and evaluations as well as evidence-based decision-making on investments.
The first objective of the KGM is to identify where existing knowledge of different intervention-outcome relationships is concentrated (knowledge bulge) and where it is lacking (knowledge gap). The first KGM exercise revealed a knowledge bulge around the effects of agricultural extension services on enhancing productivity. At the same time, a knowledge gap exists when it comes to the impacts of rangeland management techniques on climate change resilience.
The second objective of this KGM is to create a ‘clearinghouse’ mechanism to match knowledge gaps with projects or research units with the potential to address them. For example, the Neer-Tamba project in Burkina Faso will help increase understanding around the impacts of rangeland management on climate change resilience. In addition, an online platform will enable stakeholders to track knowledge production in the clearinghouse pipeline.
The third objective is to raise knowledge-driven investment-warnings by enabling decision-makers to prioritize proven strategies, adapt where results are weak, and reorient resources effectively. For example, our knowledge about agricultural extension services suggest their impact on productivity is weak, indicating a need to use adaptive management to improve results.
As a long-term approach, IFAD plans to use this KGM to influence future project designs, research, and evaluations as well as evidence-based decision-making on investments.
How To Do Note: Knowledge gap mapping
This How-to-do note (HTDN) outlines how an internal knowledge gap mapping exercise can be put together to derive meaningful inferences.
The HTDN provides an overview of KGMs, its importance, and the lessons learned from the KGM pilot in WCA.
At the same time, the report also presents the results of the 'Knowledge Gap Mapping' pilot conducted in WCA, listing specific steps that can help the reader comprehend how the KGM exercise is undertaken step-by-step.
Click here to download the document!
The HTDN provides an overview of KGMs, its importance, and the lessons learned from the KGM pilot in WCA.
At the same time, the report also presents the results of the 'Knowledge Gap Mapping' pilot conducted in WCA, listing specific steps that can help the reader comprehend how the KGM exercise is undertaken step-by-step.
Click here to download the document!
The LAC's dashboard of Knowledge Gap Map
The LAC's KGM is available in a tableau and you can access it from here. You can play with the online matrix and identify where the knowledge gaps and knowledge bulges are but also which countries have more experience implementing certain interventions.
There is a repository that provides an overview of existing studies and reviews for selected interventions.
Here a link to the Dashboard!
LAC's presentation on the KGM results can be found here!
There is a repository that provides an overview of existing studies and reviews for selected interventions.
Here a link to the Dashboard!
LAC's presentation on the KGM results can be found here!