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Science of Scaling

Learn more about the theory behind the Scaling Scan and how the Scaling Scan has been used in different places around the world.

Use of the Scaling Scan in research and development

1.- Paper Scaling agricultural mechanization services in smallholder farming systems: Case studies from sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America paper

This paper uses the Scaling Scan tool to assess three project case studies designed to scale different Mechanization Service Provider Models (MSPMs) in Mexico, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh.
Although at first sight the case studies seem to successfully reach high numbers of end users, the assessment exposes issues around the sustainable and transformative nature of the interventions.
These are highly influenced by the design of the projects and by the environment and context of the intervention areas.
Across the three case studies, large- scale adoption of the models was found to be hampered by lack of finance to set up MSPMs and insufficient collaboration among the value chain actors to strengthen and foster Mechanization Service Provider (MSP) entrepreneurs. Applying a scaling perspective on each case study project exposed important lessons on minimizing project dependencies.

2.- Paper Scaling – from “reaching many” to sustainable systems change at scale: A critical shift in mindset

Woltering et al https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X18314392 where the developers of the Scaling Scan outlay their view and approach to scaling which became the design criteria for the Scaling Scan

3.- Scaling Brief #3: Scaling approaches and tools

In this brief, the Scaling Scan is presented alongside alternative tools for scaling

Recommended readings to learn about scaling

1

The Scale Up Sourcebook is intended as an easy-to-use guidebook targeted to a broad and diverse audience of stakeholders associated with scaling agricultural technologies and innovations to meet the needs of the world’s poor.

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2

Editorial to the Special Issue “Science of Scaling: connecting the pathways of agricultural research and development for improved food, income and nutrition security presents the framing, overview and analysis of 10 articles focused on scaling innovation in the agricultural research for development sector.

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3

Article from CIMMYT on the move, describing the difference between scaling as “more” to a more meaningful way of scaling that incorporates sustainability, systems change and responsible scaling as key features.

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4

Joint output by the GIZ/CGIAR scaling task force on the what, why, how of scaling innovations.

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5

Blog developed by GIZ/CGIAR scaling task force and CGIAR science leaders with links to briefs on scaling principles (brief #2) and scaling tools (brief #3). Especially Scaling Scan are stated to be important to understand.

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6

Easy read on gap between piloting and scaling.

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7

Online self-learning course on scaling and innovation packages in context of CGIAR.

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8

Scaling Better Together: CGIAR Analysis for Usage of the Scaling Scan.

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9

Scaling: From simple models to rich strategies

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10

Scaling Impact: Innovation for Public Good

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Other Scaling Recommended Tools

In addition to the Scaling Scan, we recommend other Scaling Tools that can be applicable for other Scaling Uses.

Scaling Readiness

Scaling Readiness is a tool developed by CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). It is useful for individuals or organizations with an interest to develop a detailed in-depth strategy:

  • Evidence-based development, implementation, and monitoring of project scaling strategies

  • Management of a portfolio of innovation and scaling investments

  • Developing or evaluating projects or programs aimed at achieving impact at scale

Gender Up

GenderUp is a conversation-based method that supports project and research teams in scaling agricultural innovations in a responsible and socially inclusive way.

Gender Up guides team through five stages to:

1. Identify gender and other relevant diversity among innovation users for more successful and inclusive scaling of agricultural innovations.

2. Improve their scaling strategy by anticipating unintended negative consequences that an innovation may create for different groups in society.