Ex-ante evaluation of farming systems research in Northeastern Mali : implications for research and extension policy

The paper: identifies major constraints in the farming systems in Mopti and identifies research priorities for an FSR project; evaluates technologies that FSR could develop, in terms of financial profitability, riskiness, and economic efficiency; estimates the potential impact of FSR on increasing farm production and ranks the major factors affecting the returns to FSR; examines the production impact of diverse combinations of investments which complement FSR; proposes an investment strategy for Mopti; and explore the implications of the study"s findings for the roles and organization of agricultural research and extension in Mali and in Africa. The last section concludes with recommendations for using ex-ante evaluations, such as this, for strategic resource allocation and for conducting ex-ante evaluations. Includes references. (Author abstract, modified)