Impact Assessment and Evaluation: Appraisal Tools in Rural Sociology and Agricultural Extension for Rural Development.

Abstract

This study is a fundamental overview of impact assessment and evaluation in agricultural and rural development projects. It expounded the term impact; paying particular attention to the fact that the impact could be positive or negative. It maintained that while impact assessment is akin to impact evaluation, they have striking differences in that the former is “before versus after study”, while the latter is “with versus without study”. It categorically listed some key impact indicators that could be considered for impact studies; however, it maintained that every impact indicator(s) to be considered be measurable. What's more, the paper posits that the Change Theory suffices for explaining change; the crux of impact studies. The study believes that often, program administrators and policy makers have centered on controlling and measuring the inputs and direct outputs of programs rather than on assessing whether programs have accomplished their intended purpose, chiefly improving well-being. Conclusively, lessons drawn from the review show that impact assessment and evaluation are necessity for, and must be integrated into every project management process.