Background Notes on Comments and Questions (Platform Spreadsheet)

Comments and notes are in blue on the Spreadsheet sent by GIMASYS 4 February, 2021). This spreadsheet is an
important step forward in terms of helping to structure part of the digital platform design, even if it does not
introduce new ideas on website/platform functions. My comments and questions (based on an English translation
of the GIMASYS version) include content for GreenHub with its LSPP partners (ISPONRE and HUPH) to advise and
guide GIMASYS. In summary:

1. Functions and Focus

The spreadsheet is ‘general’ in terms of content, does not mention legislation, sectoral or cross-
cutting issues (tourism, fisheries, business, health, gender, youth etc). But GIMASYS should not be
expected to provide this information. It is not in a sectoral position to do this.

In terms of LSPP project implementation, one important area of concern (Function & Content) is
the absence of any significant mention of a capacity development (and behavior) role of the
platform for local communities – which USAID LocalWorks objectives stress and the original LSPP
(LEDAS) concept included. Perhaps these have changed.

2. Platform Target Groups

The 4 target group users proposed in the spreadsheet for the platform (again, English translation)
under “User-Oriented Development” in the spreadsheet are:

- Universities / NGOs (data scientists ...)

- Governmental technical officer
- Education: modules for schools (download document on the web)
- Ordinary people (target: women, youth 15-35)

GreenHub in particular, needs to examine these 4 proposed platform targets. In the context of the
points made in (1) above, these 4 proposed priorities are not well focused. And the question could
be asked – even though the spreadsheet is a brief first overview, what is the direct connection of
the platform serving these 4 targets to the goals of the USAID LocalWorks programme or
LSPP(LEDAS) concept?

3. Platform Project Linkages and Inputs

Also in terms of LSPP project implementation, probably it would be more useful to have the
platform design after the 4 Joint Action Plans (JAPs) are done. By then, more concrete local site
knowledge and project approach

To guide the process, GreenHub should get specific inputs from other LSPP project partners and
selected outside experts, as well importantly -- GreenHub staff, in terms of concrete ideas.
Contributions, inputs, suggestions, ideas need to be clearly thought out. Three questions in this
context of a Theory of Change:

4. Platform Theory of Change

 Whatever design, functions and content are proposed, how exactly will it directly connect
and be effective in the local 4 project sites to deliver the changes the project has
promised?

 If we propose specific platform functions/content to be included, what is the hard

evidence (not only ideas): how do we justify/defend why they are priority needs, not
“wants”?

------- Boris Fabres 4 February 2021 -------

  How do we show the connection between the digital platform operations and positive
project changes in the 4 project sites?

------- Boris Fabres 4 February 2021 -------