Using Outcome Harvesting to evaluate socio-economic development and social innovation generated by Social Enterprises in complex areas. The case of BADAEL project in Lebanon

This paper delves into the utility of Outcome Harvesting as an effective methodology for evaluating development projects that seek to cultivate and advance social enterprises within intricate and multifaceted contexts. Amidst the ever-evolving socio-economic, political, and cultural dynamics characterizing complex environments, traditional evaluation approaches often fall short in capturing the nuanced outcomes of such projects. By adopting Outcome Harvesting, this study argues that evaluators gain a robust tool to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret the intended and unintended impacts of development initiatives in complex and changing contexts. The utilization of mixed methods in the gathering of both primary and secondary data to effectively implement the Outcome Harvesting method has been influenced by overarching theoretical frameworks in the realm of social enterprises. This approach resulted in a comprehensive research methodology that seeks to synergize the strengths of the Outcome Harvesting method within the broader context of understanding and advancing the concept of social entrepreneurship. •Evolving contexts need a flexible Theory of change.•Updating the Theory of Change through Outcome Harvesting provided an adaptable framework to assess complex projects.•Outcome harvesting can be a useful methodology to evaluate the impact of Social Enterprises operating in complex situations.