This report follows the evaluation, conducted by the Independent Office of Evaluation of IFAD, of knowledge management (KM) practices in IFAD in 2023.

The evaluation flags the importance of a knowledge agenda that can underpin IFAD’s ambition to become a leader on rural transformation. It acknowledges the quality of the many technical knowledge products, but also highlights the need to connect multiple knowledges, including local and contextual knowledge, in order to achieve transformative action. IFAD’s growing field presence, together with the tangible nature of its interventions, position it well as a broker of local and contextual knowledge. The Fund has successfully mobilized multi-stakeholder processes for knowledge generation and sharing in many countries.

The evaluation recommends that IFAD should reclaim its role in elevating the operational knowledge to a global level, to inform the rural transformation debate. A lighter and more flexible knowledge agenda is recommended, with a focus on rural transformation and integrating multiple knowledges. The shift in emphasis would require transitioning from a centralized KM architecture to a model with devolved responsibilities and resources. The upcoming Strategic Framework would provide an opportunity for IFAD to position itself as a driver of rural transformation.