Impact Assessment Series

A methodology for assessing the poverty-reducing impacts of Australia’s international agricultural research

Publication Code: 

IAS078

Price: 

$25.00

Author(s): 

David Carpenter & Mark McGillivray
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There is much evidence to support the assertion that improving agricultural productivity can reduce extreme poverty among rural populations in the developing world. This report examines some recent advances in methods for assessing the impact of agricultural research on the poor, and suggests a method specifically suitable for measuring the poverty-reducing impact of ACIAR research.

Rice–wheat cropping systems in India and Australia, and development of the ‘Happy Seeder’

Publication Code: 

IAS077

Price: 

$47.00

Author(s): 

Clare Saunders, Lee Davis and David Pearce
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While India’s expansion of the rice–wheat cropping system led to the production of more food, it has also led to degradation of the natural environment, and concerns over the sustainability of the practice. This report looks at the returns on investment of ACIAR projects that sought to develop alternative practices for growing rice and wheat sustainably, and designing a machine that allows direct seeding of wheat into rice stubble.

The contribution of agricultural growth to poverty reduction

Publication Code: 

IAS076

Price: 

$28.00

Author(s): 

Bhajan Grewal, Helena Grunfeld and Peter Sheehan
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There is general consensus that, since 1980, there has been a significant reduction in poverty in many developing countries, and studies have pointed to the strong link between agricultural growth and poverty reduction. Nevertheless, the interest of government policymakers and donor organisations in agriculture declined from the 1980s onwards, regaining momentum only when the price of staple food crops started to rise sharply in the mid 2000s.

Extending rice crop yield improvements in Lao PDR: an ACIAR–World Vision collaborative project

Publication Code: 

IAS075

Price: 

$44.00

Author(s): 

David N. Harris
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An assessment of the impact of an ACIAR–World Vision extension project on improving rice crop yields in southern Laos. The assessment shows there have been significant gains in food security for the adopting farmers, with widespread acceptance of the new rice varieties and improvement of wet-season rice yields.

International Rice Research Institute’s contribution to rice varietal yield improvement in South-East Asia

Publication Code: 

IAS074

Price: 

$60.00

Author(s): 

John P. Brennan and Arelene Malabayabas
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This study assesses the impact of IRRI’s work on varietal improvement on rice production in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Forestry in Papua New Guinea: a review of ACIAR’s program

Publication Code: 

IAS073

Price: 

$45.00

Author(s): 

Hayden Fisher
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This study provides an overall assessment of ACIAR’s forestry program in PNG and takes a more in-depth look at projects relating to galip nuts.

Frameworks for assessing policy research and ACIAR’s investment in policy-oriented projects in Indonesia

Publication Code: 

IAS072

Price: 

$40.00

Author(s): 

Bob Lindner
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This study adds to the body of literature on the development of methodological frameworks and tools that could be used to assess the benefits of policy-oriented research. It also investigates the extent to which policy outputs were achieved in 10 of ACIAR’s Indonesian policy projects.

The economic impact in Indonesia and Australia of investment in plantation forestry research, 1987–2009

Publication Code: 

IAS071

Price: 

$55.00

Author(s): 

Bob Lidner
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This report describes the first economic impact study of ACIAR’s plantation forestry research in Indonesia and Australia.

Extending low-chill fruits in nothern Thailand: an ACIAR-World Vision collaborative project

Publication Code: 

IAS070

Price: 

$40.00

Author(s): 

David N. Harris
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An assessment of the impact of an ACIAR–World Vision extension project that encouraged farmers in the hill areas of northern Thailand to grow high-value, low-chill temperate fruits. The impact was assessed on the basis of the economic returns that accrued to farmers adopting the extension advice.

Lessons learned from past ACIAR impact assessments, adoption studies and experience

Publication Code: 

IAS069

Price: 

$20.00

Author(s): 

David Pearce
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This review seeks to capture the elements that contribute to a successful ACIAR project.