A comprehensive conceptual framework for assessing the impact of agricultural research and development

Information on the impact of publicly funded agricultural research is increasingly needed for the mobilization and allocation of decreasing resources. For these purposes, solid evidence of the social gains of past investments is needed, as well as appropriate criteria for planning and priority setting, Returns on investments in technology development and transfer have mostly been evaluated in economic terms, using the rate of return as a measure of efficiency. However, these means are not equally appropriate for the impact appraisal of all research and development programs. Some impacts are difficult to quantify or only materialize over a longer period of time. For this reason, projects should not be prioritized according to efficiency measures alone. Non-market costs and benefits should be evaluated on an equal footing to their market-based counterparts. This paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework for assessing the impact of agricultural research and development. It reviews the concepts and methodologies involved in these kinds of appraisals and refers to their application in empirical impact studies conducted in South Africa to date.