Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning: Experiences of using a Community of Practice for Capacity Development of Climate Smart Advisors

Communities of Practice (CoPs) are used in the ClimateSmartAdvisors project as a dynamic and adaptive approach to engage with advisors to improve and transform climate smart advisory knowledge, identities and practices. Monitoring, evaluation and learning from the first wave of 40 CSA CoPs reveal that there are many positive aspects and challenges concerning the functioning, content and methods of CoPs.

CoP Functioning
CoPs were generally experienced as learning communities rather than formal meetings. When they function as trusted and safe spaces, advisors are more willing to discuss and learn about difficult or complex topics. At the same time, CoPs require time, energy, and organisation. Challenges include logistics, varying participation, and turnover of members. To address this, CoPs need pragmatic organisation, well-planned meetings, and clear documentation.

CoP Content
The findings also showed that CoP content should be member-led and co-designed rather than imposed. Topics need to be professionally useful, technically sound, and relevant to advisors’ needs and context. Challenges arise when content becomes too theoretical, overly technical, policy-driven, or disconnected from practical advisory work. Science remains important, but it needs to be balanced with advisory practice and a farmer-centred perspective.

CoP Methods & Activities
CoP methods work best when they include practical demonstrations, field-based examples, structured interactive activities, and simple, usable tools. A balance between expert input and peer exchange, together with documentation and follow-up, helps maintain focus and supports learning over time.

Overall, the survey findings from the CoPs suggest they are a useful approach and mechanism to shape agendas, surface learning needs, and strengthen advisory capacity for sustainability transitions. The lessons learned from the first wave can be used by all practitioners seeking to use CoPs in agricultural and other contexts.