Asian cropping systems research : microeconomic evaluation procedures

To solve this problem, a set of informal procedures based on the case study method was developed to enable team economists to fulfill their main task - evaluation of the profitability of new technologies. These informal procedures, which involve partial budgeting, graphing for resource constraints, and program planning, were tested against the more formal procedures for accuracy of conclusions as well as time and other resource requirements. The informal procedures were found to be less precise but equally accurate in predicting the acceptability of new technology arising out of cropping systems research, and the procedures and results were more easily understood by other team members. A 30-item bibliography (1958-79) is appended. (Author abstract, modified)