Agricultural technology transfer

The evaluation covered the period 9/84-1989. Despite administrative problems, the project has expanded the use and impact of new agricultural technologies. In 5 of the 16 subprojects (SP"s), a substantial impact on the agricultural economy is evident. Specifically, these SP"s have increased farmer incomes, business profits, and exports and reduced loss from disease. Particularly outstanding examples include: (1) export of surimi, a composite fish product, which grew from 3,000 to 30,000 tons in five years; (2) contract farming of specialty vegetable crops, which was worth 50 million Baht by 1988/89 and is still increasing; and (3) a 25% increase in milk yields. The results of 8 other SP"s are potentially beneficial to end users. Only 3 SP"s have little likelihood of providing benefits, due to a lack of follow-up, incomplete research, or cost, quality, or market problems. In most instances, however, SP impact cannot be wholly attributed to the project. Seven of the SP"s were built on foundations laid by previous project or private sector activities. In other cases, the private sector probably would have responded to market opportunities without the SP. Several lessons were learned. (1) The use of standardized review formats for SP"s within umbrella projects forces SP proposers to consider commercialization prospects and other economic issues. (2) Early and active participation of the private sector within technology development and transfer projects will improve the quality of SP proposals and accelerate adoption by intended beneficiaries. (3) Scientific staff should not be unduly burdened with administrative requirements. (4) Improved SP design, especially the inclusion of economic data and information on state-of-the-art technology and its intended use, would facilitate impact evaluation.