Stephanie de Ryckman
Stephanie de Ryckman
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Consultant
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Consultant
Embedded Files
Impact measurement solutions for sustainable food systems
Impact measurement solutions for sustainable food systems
Sustainable food systems are critical to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, from degraded soils, natural resource depletion, and biodiversity loss to precarious rural livelihoods and vulnerability to climate change.
Governments and NGOs alone cannot solve these problems: every actor along the value chain from farm to fork will need to adopt an impact mindset, gradually weaving the complex web of a truly sustainable global food system.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plays a vital role in this transition by providing data and insights to help organisations and businesses clearly map their impact pathways, measure whether their efforts are truly creating positive change, and adapt their strategies based on the evidence.
Services
Services
The services I offer fall broadly under three categories:
Theory of Change / Impact Roadmaps
Theory of Change / Impact Roadmaps
This is the conceptual starting point of your impact journey. Here, we get super clear on the impact you are trying to create; how you intend to get there; the relevant factors that are beyond your control; and key assumptions that must be tested. The outputs from this process provide the foundation of any future performance measurement. It's also vital for common understanding within your team, as well as clear external communications.
Monitoring & Evaluation Systems
Monitoring & Evaluation Systems
Once you are clear on your impact roadmap, you need a set of performance metrics to quantify progress. You'll also need robust data collection tools; clarity on who collects what, when, using which technologies; and a plan to monitor incoming data. All of this comprises your M&E System. It's vital to keep it as lean as possible, no matter how complex your operation, to ensure the M&E gets done instead of getting in the way.
Impact Evaluation Studies
Impact Evaluation Studies
Based on your Theory of Change and M&E System, you can evaluate your impact. This typically includes a baseline prior to your intervention; a midterm review to assess progress and course-correct; and a final evaluation of impact and externalities. These mixed-methods studies provide deep insights with perspectives from multiple stakeholders, and sit at the heart of your donor- or public-facing impact evidence.
My approach
My approach
Whatever the task at hand, three key philosophies underpin everything I do:
Holistic systems thinking
Holistic systems thinking
Data collection and reporting solutions must be designed with the whole system in mind. Impact measurement is necessarily a cross-cutting activity; due consideration of how all the moving parts will interact ensures a smooth-functioning monitoring, evaluation and learning sytem.
Human-centred design
Human-centred design
Despite the increasing presence of technology in the data and reporting landscape, humans are still at the centre of any impact measurement initiative. Usability is paramount. Solutions must be user-friendly, with tools and processes that are intuitive and pragmatic.
Embedded data quality
Embedded data quality
High-quality data begins with good design of tools and systems, and must be embedded throughout the impact measurement process. From clear definition of metrics, to robust surveys, data collection tools with built-in validity checks, and novel AI approaches to data auditing.
Client snapshot
Client snapshot
About me
About me
Hi, I'm Stephanie.
Ever since my childhood in Botswana, running around among the avocado and fig trees in our dusty garden, I've had an innate sense of connection to the land and the joy of growing food.
I've spent the last 11 years helping impact-focused organisations design smart performance metrics and collect high-quality data to measure the impact of their work and to learn, adapt, and improve their delivery.
My career in international development has taken me to villages, farms, and factories around the world, from Pakistan, India, and Malaysia to Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia.
My focus on sustainable agrifood has gradually deepened through professional experience as well as personal pursuits, including farm volunteering and a hands-on permaculture course. I'm currently studying Food & Sustainability at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability.
My mission for the next decade of my career is to help broaden access to impact measurement tools and approaches, to support the wave of B-corporations and other mission-driven organisations in Europe who want to embed sustainability and positive impact into their business models.
Whether you are an established NGO, a mission-driven startup, or even a farm, restaurant, or other food-related business, I can help you leverage data and insights to achieve your intended impact.
Page updated
Report abuse