Evaluation of Climate Compatible Growth Programme

Climate-Compatible Growth (CCG) is an FCDO initiative aimed at promoting climate-compatible and inclusive growth in low and lower-middle-income countries. With funding from the UK’s International Climate Fund (ICF) and part of the Ayrton Fund, CCG operates from April 2021 to March 2026 with a £38 million budget. Launched in January 2021, CCG aims to equip nations with evidence-based strategies for clean, sustainable growth.

CCG comprises a core University Partnership, including prestigious institutions like Loughborough University, University College London, Oxford University, Cambridge University, and Imperial University. Leveraging applied research and open-source, policy-oriented systems modeling tools, CCG supports nations in developing integrated approaches across sectors, initially focusing on grid-scale energy and transport systems.

With initial partnerships in Vietnam, Laos, Kenya, and Zambia, CCG plans to expand to six partner countries. Activities range from data collection to informing national development strategies and facilitating skill development. This evaluation occurred in two phases: Phase 1 assessed CCG's setup and performance, while Phase 2, close to CCG's end, will focus on results, sustainability, unintended effects, and overall value for money. We also support the Annual Review process.

Challenges

Climate change if left unchecked can pose significant economic, social, and environmental threats, particularly impacting vulnerable developing nations with limited resources and infrastructure. CCG seeks to deliver essential energy and material services while reducing resource use and environmental impact. The research initiative plays a pivotal role in assisting developing countries in pursuing low-carbon development pathways while catalysing investment in green infrastructure, fostering market expansion, and advancing their Sustainable Development Goals.
 

CCG is instrumental in translating these policy commitments into actionable strategies by providing evidence-based guidance to governments and development institutions. By identifying and prioritising investment in low-carbon development pathways, CCG aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and accelerate global action. Central to CCG's ambition is the cultivation of strong, enduring partnerships, both nationally and internationally. By fostering collaboration and co-creativity, CCG aims to equip developing countries with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the low-carbon transition effectively.

Expertise

Research Strategy and Portfolio Review: This activity assesses the CCG research portfolio, including evidence generation, insights, methods, and tools, to ensure coherence and relevance. It aims to validate the theory of change underlying CCG, facilitating research uptake while ensuring equity.

Partnership Strategy and Portfolio Review: Evaluation of CCG's partnerships focuses on co-creating research agendas and promoting evidence uptake. It assesses partnership effectiveness, coordination, and early outcomes related to capacity building and research product uptake.

Review of CCG Management and Governance: This review examines CCG's decision-making processes, costs, and value for money. It assesses program efficiency, resource utilisation, and the effectiveness of research commissioning, informing improvements in management and governance.

Country Case Studies: Two comprehensive country case studies in Phase 1 examined research, partnership, and governance approaches. They aimed to understand how these elements combined to enhance program visibility and impact, providing valuable insights for CCG's future direction.

Impact

The Phase 1 findings serve as crucial insights for FCDO in steering the remainder of the CCG programme. These findings are anticipated to inform post-programme activities, potentially paving the way for further research funding in areas prioritized by CCG.

Phase 1 offers FCDO senior management an overarching view of the ongoing programme, providing them with valuable insights to guide strategic decisions. Meanwhile, Phase 2 findings have the potential to shape future research programme design, serving as a repository of lessons learned for subsequent initiatives.

The evaluation offers an independent perspective on innovation within the CCG programme, assessing both successful activities and areas for improvement. This analysis aims to highlight effective strategies as well as identify areas requiring further attention within this extensive applied research program. 


Photo credit: Pexel