Analysing RDIs: An Integrated Framework1

H.S.Shylendra
RDIs come in various hues. For a clear and objective assessment of RDIs and their performance,
we need a broader and an integrated framework. Given the varied nature of RDIs and the
complexity in which they are designed and implemented we need a multi-dimensional
framework to analyse and dissect RDIs in a holistic way. The success or failure cannot be
assessed or judged based merely on few surface level facts or data. Such a framework would
help look at diverse aspects of a RDI along with its interfaces and outcomes at different stages of
its life cycle. Hence an integrated framework has been developed which informs and guides us
for a holistic understanding and assessment of RDIs. Any type of RDI can be assessed using the
framework.
The framework provides for two level of analysis of a RDI with each level specifying multiple
components and elements having bearing on the RDI. The two broad levels of the framework
are:
I. Systemic Level (Political-Economy) Analysis
II. Programme Level (Programmatic) Analysis
Within each level, the framework identifies relevant dimensions or components and their
elements which influence RDIs in diverse ways. While one may look at or focus on any specific
level or dimension of the framework depending on the need, but an overall assessment of a RDI
(to judge its success or failure) would require that all major components are looked at in an
integrated way so that both the causal factors and outcomes are clearly delineated.
The framework could be adopted both by the practitioners and researchers as per their need. The
data/insights for the framework could be drawn from various sources like secondary data,
primary surveys, review of literature/documents, and case studies.
The relevant components and elements of each level are depicted below.
I. Systemic Level (Political Economy) Analysis
Here the focus is on understanding the macro or system level issues which influence RDIs. In
other words, the political-economy which bears out a combined influence of social, economic
and political factors on the nature and success of a RDI is identified and analysed. The system
includes even the local economy or society where RDIs have to operate.

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The framework has been developed by HS.Shylendra for the course on Rural Development Interventions
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 I. Systemic or Political-Economy Issues
Components Elements
- Global/Macro conditions leading to a RDI: Need or
• Relevant Systemic environment, push for the RDI. Chances of success are more if
and structures and forces aiding the RDI is more locally driven (not by global and
or obstructing the working and donor agencies)
success of the Intervention
- The nature of state and its class-bias (Pro-
capitalist or Pro-poor) in general vis-à-vis the
sector or the intervention
- The strategies of state policies: Radical or
Reformist. Radical and Welfarist approach may
aid RDIs better especially to reduce poverty and
inequality
- Role of Vested Interests including the donors and
local elite and their influence in the formulation and
implementation of the RDI. Strong vested interests
can scuttle the RDIs

II. Programme Level Issues

Once an RDI is formulated and is being implemented, many programme level dimensions come
to play a major role in influencing its working and success. Some of these programme level
factors which may extend over its life-cycle can make or mar an RDI, irrespective of its
intentions and hence have to be looked at carefully in the assessment. For a typical programme,
the varied components or dimensions are depicted in the following diagram. These dimensions
may vary across RDIs depending on their nature and scale though some of them may overlap or
work concurrently during a RDI`s life cycle.

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The dimensions of goals, strategies and design features generally get formulated at the
conception stage itself though there could be revision or improvements in them subsequently
based on the mid-course lessons and feedback. Implementation and O &M are the crucial stages
during which the RDI really gets its concrete shape on the ground. The outcomes and impact
emerge during and subsequent to the implementation. Lessons and feedback based on monitoring
and evaluation complete the loop. One may draw objective conclusion on RDI about its success
or failure based on the comprehensive analysis covering various components.

The key elements of each of the dimensions/components are highlighted in the following table.
The elements are illustrative and not exhaustive.

II. Programmatic Issues

Components Elements

1. RDI Goals : Broader RDI Goals (Transformational) :

- Sustainable Growth
A RDI may go with multiple goals. Useful to - Equity
identify its clear goals - Poverty Alleviation
- Empowerment
What are the broader and specific
goals/targets of the RDI? Specific Goals/Targets (Programme Level):
- Productivity
Sustainable realization of the specific goals - Employment
can lead to attainment of broader goals - Inclusion/ Access
leading to transformation. - Asset Distribution
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2. Strategies:
What are the broad and specific policy
strategies and approaches adopted so as make -
the RDI effective at various stages for -
realizing the programme objectives?
The strategies may arise based on the -
ideological underpinnings or programmatic -
compulsion or both
The strategies of a RDI to be analysed for
their adoption and impact on various
components as per their nature and whether
the strategies were effectively implemented
or not
3. Design Feature:
What are the specific programme features
adopted or specified at different stages to
operationalise the strategies?
Design features may assume the form of an
operational principle or method or processes
in the intervention.
4. Implementation and Monitoring
What are the processes, steps and
mechanisms adopted to actually implement
or execute the intervention in a time-bound
and cost-effective way?
How is the project implementation being
monitored for its progress?
- Income Generation
- Create Skill
(For explanation of strategies see another
Note)
Integrated Approach
Right-based
- Radical/Reformist
- Mission Mode
Participatory v/s Top down
Target-based
(For explanation of strategies see another
Note)
- Community or group Targeting Methods
- Specification of the Role of Professionals
and Community during and after the project
- Ways and Means of Funding and Cost
recovery
- Nature & Type of Institutions to be formed
at project level or community level
-
- Type of linkages and convergences with
different agencies including NGOs
- Methods of benefits sharing
- Methods of accountability and transparency
- Creation of project team/organisation
- Targets set being achieved
- Mobilisation and Utilisation of funds,
- Mobilisation of community and formation
of community based organizations(CBOs) if
required
- Timely Execution of works
- Delivery of Assistance or benefits
- Monitoring the Progress/Targets
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 - Hindrances (social or technical) faced and
overcome.
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5. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) - Key O & M operations involved and
adopted
What are the specific O & M mechanisms - Role and working of CBOs or other
adopted for sustaining the intervention? agencies and departments in O&M
- Services Provided and their quality
O & M becomes relevant especially if the - Cost or Fee recovery for O& M
project has to be sustained subsequent to - Effectiveness of O & M
implementation and withdrawal by the
project implementing agency.
6. Outcomes and Impact: - Level and nature of actual participation of
different sections of the community
What are the extent & magnitude of the
- Level and type of access created to the
outcome or impact of RDI on its specific and
service or resource or technology to the
broader goals?
target group under the RDI
What are the positive & negative outcomes - Magnitude of income, employment, output
as a result of the impact of the RDI? generated by RDI (Outcomes)

Is there any major transformation in the socio -
and economic conditions as a result after the
implementation?
All these could be assesed through formal
evaluation and impact assessment.
7. Lessons and Feedback
How did the RDI work? Successful or
Failure given its goals and objectives?
How to make it work better?
Positive and negative outcomes on poverty,
inequality, rights, efficiency, social
relations, household conditions,
environment, etc.
- Identify Indicators of Success or failure
based on the outcome and impact
- Identify positive and negative factors which
influenced the programme?
- Identify major lessons learnt at various
stages of RDI?
- Suggest and adopt feedback to make the
programme work better.
- Internalise the lessons in RDI for scaling-
up or replication elsewhere.

A case of a RDI on Joint Forest Management (JFM) is enclosed herewith which may be analyzed
using the above framework.