Nested Theories of Change for Adaptive Rigour

Abstract

This learning brief provides illustrative examples of three major adaptations the Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development (CREID) programme has undertaken while working within fragile contexts to promote freedom of religion or beilief (FoRB). These examples highlight how the programme has utilised embedded monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) strategies to encourage what Ramalingam et al. (2019) refer to as ‘adaptive rigour’, a concept which underscores the importance of transparent documentation of programmatic decision making processes during programme adaptations. In particular this learning brief discusses the use of nested theories of change as a mechanism to enable adaptive rigour within the 'multitude of smalls' approach in the CREID programme.