IMPROVING THE PROCESS AND IMPACT OF SUGAR R&D: IMPLEMENTING A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO THE EVALUATION OF SUGAR R&D PROJECTS

THE systems approach has become established in many areas of agricultural and natural resource research and development (R&D) as an appropriate means of addressing complex production, environmental and social problems of the twenty-first century. Over the past decade, sugar R&D activities have transformed from the traditional linear technology transfer approach to a collaborative and participative action learning approach for the implementation of more integrated solutions. The shift in emphasis from linear to systems approaches in sugar R&D has highlighted the shortcomings of existing evaluation approaches and techniques. Furthermore, this transformation has highlighted the need for a new and improved R&D evaluation framework to be developed and implemented to improve the appropriateness of project objectives to stakeholders, to improve the efficiency of participatory action research processes, and to maximise the economic, environmental and social benefits of investment in projects. In 2003, SRDC responded to the challenge to improve existing evaluation approaches and developed and implemented a systems evaluation framework that is consistent with the critical success factors of 'systems thinking' and the social process of 'engagement' highlighted in the SRDC R&D Plan 2003-2008. The SRDC evaluation framework and an overview of the key expected benefits of implementing a systems approach to evaluation are presented. Efforts by SRDC to increase the capacity of participants in sugar R&D projects to understand and implement a systems approach to evaluation are documented. Finally, evidence is provided to demonstrate benefits achieved to date and progress toward achievement of the ultimate outcome of improved R&D processes and improved returns to industry and government investment in sugar R&D.