Knowledge Center Catalog

Why impact assessment research has not made more of a difference: Lessons from Eastern and Southern Africa

By: Contributor(s): Material type: TextTextPublication details: Mexico, DF (Mexico) CIMMYT : 2003Description: p. 34ISBN:
  • 970-648-076-5
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 338.91 WAT
Summary: The paper begins by providing a conceptual framework to assess the impacts of agricultural research and development (R&D) activities. The results of impact studies conducted in the region and lessons learnt are presented. Although the rates of returns estimates (ROR) for R&D investments are relatively attractive, available evidence suggests that the initial efforts had little impact on resource mobility, and did not significantly improve the reallocation of scarce research resources. In addition, very limited progress has been made to institutionalize impact assessment as a planning/ management tool. The results identify reasons for the limited influence of impact assessment research. This survey of researchers and research managers provides empirical evidence of how group perceptions differ due to the use of impact studies. Results include an assessment of impact studies in the processes of; resource mobilization and allocation, informing policy, feedback to researchers, extension staff and donors, as well as performance assessment of staff and programs. Finally, some suggestions are made to improve the utilization of impact assessment research results.
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Abstract only

The paper begins by providing a conceptual framework to assess the impacts of agricultural research and development (R&D) activities. The results of impact studies conducted in the region and lessons learnt are presented. Although the rates of returns estimates (ROR) for R&D investments are relatively attractive, available evidence suggests that the initial efforts had little impact on resource mobility, and did not significantly improve the reallocation of scarce research resources. In addition, very limited progress has been made to institutionalize impact assessment as a planning/ management tool. The results identify reasons for the limited influence of impact assessment research. This survey of researchers and research managers provides empirical evidence of how group perceptions differ due to the use of impact studies. Results include an assessment of impact studies in the processes of; resource mobilization and allocation, informing policy, feedback to researchers, extension staff and donors, as well as performance assessment of staff and programs. Finally, some suggestions are made to improve the utilization of impact assessment research results.

English

0310|R01CIMPU|AGRIS 0301|AL-Economics Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Publications Collection


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