Just transitions in agricultural research for development organizations: Proposition for a structured evaluation framework

There is a developing interest in Just Transition approaches within the agricultural research for development (R4D) sector, yet there is limited understanding of how to apply a Just Transition strategy and even less insight into how to monitor and evaluate its desired outcomes. Five dimensions (criteria) of justice are proposed as part of an evaluation framework: knowledge, recognition, procedural, distributive, and capacity. Illustrative indicators and actions agricultural R4D organizations may adopt as part of a Just Transition strategy are proposed, along with evaluation questions for each dimension, evaluation approach, and foundational and evaluation sources. Lastly, four guiding principles are offered in support of operationalizing the framework, including addressing justice as an evaluative objective; the importance of identifying the transition being pursued, treating the five dimensions as part of an interdependent whole; and the value of applying a reflexive mindset to the framework. The approach is of value to multiple actors within the agricultural R4D sector, including practitioners, managers, and evaluators.