Marijn Faling

Marijn Faling is an Assistant Professor at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, where she conducts interdisciplinary research on collaborative development interventions. Her work critically examines how public, private, and civil society actors shape policies and practices related to climate change, food security, and poverty reduction.

Her research interests are organized into three interconnected lines: (1) policy influence strategies in agriculture and climate governance; (2) inclusive business and value chain partnerships involving the private sector; and (3) innovative monitoring and evaluation approaches for complex, multi-stakeholder development initiatives. She emphasizes action-oriented and transdisciplinary methodologies to generate practical insights.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on evaluation systems, particularly the paradoxes and tensions inherent in monitoring adaptive and collaborative programs. Her work spans contexts such as Kenya and broader African regions, contributing to global debates on sustainable development, systemic change, and equitable partnerships.

Key research contributions include:

• Conceptualizing evaluation paradoxes in development programs
• Applying process tracing to assess collaborative impacts
• Analyzing policy framing dynamics in climate-agriculture discourses
• Developing frameworks for monitoring inclusive agribusiness

Marijn actively engages with public audiences through media contributions, explaining complex topics like food security and ethics in action research. Her work aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, zero hunger, and partnerships for the goals.

She advises on research design and evaluation in multi-actor development settings and participates in international research collaborations, especially on projects involving adaptive management and private-sector engagement. While no formal students or grants are listed, her collaborative publications suggest active supervision and team-based research.

Marijn is affiliated with a vibrant research network at ISS, contributing to a dynamic academic environment focused on social justice, sustainability, and transformative change. Her work is disseminated through high-impact journals and public-facing platforms, enhancing both academic and policy relevance.