An evaluation of a FSR/E project: Costs and benefits of research and extension

Assessing the costs/benefits of farming systems research and extension is problematic. Nevertheless, using data from an actual farming systems research and extension project in the Les Cayes region of Haiti, an estimate is made on the value of the research and training of the project at its termination date. In a separate but complementary analysis, a value of a proposed extension programme to encourage adoption of the project's recommended practices is derived. Synthesising the two analyses, an estimate on the combined value of the research, training and proposed extension effort is obtained. It is shown that the cost of developing improved farming practices with farming systems research is justified only with their widespread adoption.