Evaluation of impact assessment techniques in Thailand

CERTAIN IMPACT ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN OR ARE IN USE UNDER SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES. THE BASIC CONCEPTUAL MODEL FROM WHICH THE ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES SPRING -- DEVELOPMENT INPUTS CREATE OPPORTUNITIES WHICH PROMOTE VILLAGE INVESTMENT BEHAVIORS WHICH SERVE TO INCREASE POLICY STRENGTH -- IS PLAUSIBLE, BUT IT REMAINS ESSENTIALLY AN ASSUMPTION OR RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS. ALMOST NO EVIDENCE EXISTS TODAY EITHER TO CONFIRM OR TO DENY THE VALIDITY OF THE MODEL. THE CONCEPTUAL MODEL RETAINS A STRONG COUNTER-INSURGENCY ORIENTATION, THUS RAISING QUESTIONS FOR AID TO ANSWER AS TO: (1)THE PRESUMPTION THAT DEVELOPMENT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH INSURGENCY OR "CONTEST SITUATIONS", AND (2)AID"S INTEREST IN ATTEMPTING TO MEASURE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT IN TERMS OF ALLEGIANCE TO GOVERNMENTS OR GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEMS. USE OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES IN THE OFFICE OF ACCELERATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PERIPHERAL TO THE MAIN PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING SYSTEMS IN THOSE AGENCIES. THE EVALUATORS RECOMMEND AGAINST: (1)CONTINUED USE OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ROUTINE OPERATIONAL PURPOSES IN THAILAND AND (2)TRANSFERRING THEM TO OTHER LDC PLANNING AGENCIES FOR OPERATIONAL USE.