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Discussion and Recommendations
Group 1: Methodology
R. Shand - Sri Lanka (convenor); R. Islam - Bangladesh; C. Barba - Philippines;
V. Villancio - Philippines; M. Ahmed - ICLARM; J. Graham - IDRC;
D. M. Ramiaramanana - Madagascar; R. Gonzaga - Philippines; P. A. Samaratunga
- Sri Lanka; and G. K. Renuka - Sri Lanka.
This group reviewed the lessons learned about methodology to suggest guidelines
for future impact studies. The group agreed that the formulation and application
of FSR impact methodology was readily distiriguishable from its predecessor, i.e.,
comporient research with a systems perspective. The former included a range of
impact variables. The challenge of developing a suitable methodology was raised
frequently during the discussioris. The attempt at a comprehensive measurement
of all impact variables was made in only one of the studies (Sri Lanka).
Setting objectives
In this project, seven objectives were agreed on at the initial workshop. Teams
represented in the discussion group were unanimous in the view that attaining their
targets, although a laudable objective, was far too ambitious, at least within the
structure of the project.
A major reason was that, although the measurernent of impact was to focus
on income levels and variables influenced by changes in income levels rather than
on adoption, accurate measurement of adoption levels of the new technologies was
a necessary precursor to further analysis. Adoption measurement not only absorbed
time and resources but, in many cases, produced problems because there was no
single or even several methodologies for this measurement. This had an impact on
three studies in particular, but was a concern for all.
Guideline 1: Do not set objectives for an FSR impact study on the assumptiori
that a satisfactory location-specific methodolojg exists for mensu ring technology
adoption.
This particular issue was instrumental in reducing the number of objectives that the
teams attempted to achieve. There was full agreement on the basic need to
measure the impact of technological change on productivity and income, but there