Guest blog by Vahid Hajiyev, LEG ’24
One of the most important lessons from this course is that addressing complex growth challenges requires a problem-driven approach. Tools such as the Toyota “6 Whys” and the fishbone diagram were particularly useful in helping me understand the underlying causes and identify binding constraints. These tools taught me that often what seems to be the problem is only a symptom, and finding the real issue is crucial for effective policymaking.
Another key takeaway is the importance of Growth, Inclusion, and Sustainability as a multidimensional framework for measuring progress. Economic growth alone does not guarantee better outcomes for everyone, and this course emphasized the need to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
Finally, the PDIA (Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation) methodology was transformative in showing how policies should be adaptive and context-specific. Instead of rigidly following pre-designed action plans, PDIA encourages breaking down problems into smaller, manageable issues and iteratively testing solutions. This approach ensures continuous learning and adjustment based on what works in practice.
My growth challenge focuses on agricultural reform in Karabakh, aiming to rebuild the region’s agricultural sector to balance large-scale investment with inclusive family farming. Over the course of this program, I made significant progress in understanding the root causes of challenges and developing actionable insights.
Using the fishbone diagram, I identified three critical barriers: limited infrastructure, complex land allocation processes, and a lack of human capital know-how. Among these, the binding constraint is the inefficient land allocation system, which creates uncertainty for both investors and farmers. Without a transparent and efficient system, land remains underutilized, and investments are delayed.
The second key challenge is the lack of human capital know-how. Modern agricultural practices, processing facilities, and logistics require skilled workers. However, there is a gap in training and education, leaving local farmers unable to fully capitalize on the resources available. This challenge hinders both productivity and sustainability.
Infrastructure limitations, particularly in rural areas, emerged as another significant issue. Without proper roads, irrigation systems, and energy access, farmers struggle to connect to markets, and the potential for processing and exporting agricultural goods remains unrealized.
The tools and methodologies from this course are already shaping my approach to tackle complex issues. The PDIA framework is central to this effort, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and iterative problem-solving. Instead of imposing a top-down solution, I will work to involve diverse stakeholders in co-designing and implementing solutions. These stakeholders include farmers, investors, local authorities, NGOs, and international experts.
Breaking Down Problems into Small Wins
One of the most important insights I gained during this course is the value of scaling down large problems into smaller, actionable tasks. Instead of attempting to reform the entire agricultural sector in Karabakh simultaneously, we can focus on a specific piece of land near a village as a pilot project. This approach allows us to examine all constraints on that land, such as access to water, electricity, roads, and other infrastructure.
By addressing these issues step by step, we can develop and test solutions. For instance, we could evaluate how land is distributed among farmers, identify their specific challenges—whether related to lack of knowledge, access to resources, or market connectivity—and determine what training programs are necessary to bridge these gaps. Once the land is operational, we can assess how well these interventions work, what adjustments are required, and how they impact productivity and sustainability.
This method provides small wins, which build momentum and generate valuable insights for scaling solutions across other areas. I believe this incremental approach will help us gain a deeper understanding of what needs to be done at a larger scale while creating trust and buy-in from stakeholders.
This learning aligns closely with the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) methodology taught in the course.
Conclusion
This course has been transformative in equipping me with the tools and methodologies needed to tackle a big issue such as agricultural reform in Karabakh.
Breaking down problems into manageable pieces and achieving small wins will be critical in building momentum and trust. At the same time, involving a diverse range of stakeholders and ensuring cross-functional collaboration and integration will ensure that solutions are practical and impactful.
While open questions remain, the insights from this course provides a solid foundation for navigating and tackling down the challenges.
This is a blog series written by the alumni of the Leading Economic Growth Executive Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. 47 Participants successfully completed this 10-week online course in December 2024. These are their learning journey stories.