Reflexive monitoring and evaluation as a tool to stimulate peer-to-peer learning and impact during on-farm demonstrations

Over the past two years, two AgriDemo-F2F and PLAID (H2020) have investigated peer learning in the context of on-farm demonstrations across Europe. Both projects will produce their results in the coming months. Early 2018, NEFERTITI (H2020) started with the objective to boost peer learning through the development of 10 supra-regional networks of on-farm demonstrations in Europe. The NEFERTITI demonstration networks will build on the results from AgriDemo-F2F and PLAID.

The assessment of P2P learning during farm demonstration events is key in the three projects. The projects used a series of ‘Monitoring and Evaluation’ (M&E) methods and tools, such as observation templates, interview guides, participant surveys, journals, and group discussions. Whereas, in AgriDemo-F2F and PLAID the M&E methods and tools are aimed at M&E performed by and for actors external to the case demo events, NEFERTITI additionally also focusses on internal M&E performed by and for the organisers of the demonstrations events, thus creating tools for reflection.

An evaluation of the M&E tools of the three projects indicates that evaluating peer learning during demonstrations is far from easy. Shortcomings of the M&E tools can be attributed both to the (lacking) scientific rigour of the data provided by the tools in specific fields and to the ease to use the tools. The contradiction between scientific rigour and the user friendliness is a specific challenge for NEFERTITI as they have to be used by both organisers of demonstrations who often lack experience in using M&E tools and by researchers who will analyse the monitored data to come up with overall conclusions and recommendations.