Agricultural Policy Analysis is directly related to agricultural economics. Economic and econometric models are using respective of the field that the policy is related to. Ex:- Plantation, Animal Production, Food, etc.   

In your case for agricultural extension also I think you have to use economic models but the the focus of extension.

Thank you Suchira.  I wanted to run away from the economic models. I guess I have no choice.

I agree, though not in its entirety, that economic dimensions are essential. One has to be careful, as to whose context we bring in!, is it for the intervening agencies or the farmers! I think bringing both to the context would be beneficial, since they are all supposed to be in supply chain. Not exactly in a extension!

Thanks Misra for your response.  It appears that while the economic dimension is important, we also need the social dimensions and that perhaps, it is the social dimension models that are missing.  I think we need to work on this. 

I think economic models should not be avoided but it is important to have a broad perspective of analysis paying attention to institutional economics and behavioral economics.  

Hello Catherine. I believe you can find guidelines which could be of interest on the GFRAS (Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services) site, specifically in their policy compendium at http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/ras-policy-compendium.html or at http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/documents/category/18-policy.html.

http://www.g-fras.org

http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/documents/category/18-policy.html

Among all the procedures mentioned so far, I just want to make a recap that the situation analysis of the agricultural extension/development policy in question need to be thorough. Most times if the situation analysis is not real or weak, then your economic model will be vague, and there is also a limit to which the error term in economics model can buffer. So the situation analysis is key before considering the economic perspective in your teaching model.

I suggest you the following approach. First, market survey - domestic, then import and export. Second, comparative advantages of agro-climate characteristics of the country and its regions, possible crops and animals. Third, how existing technologies can be improved (level of farmers and of agro-industrial projects) and economic evaluation of possible investment projects. Fourth, risks - market and technology. Some other details see in my article   http://www.agrifoodecon.com/content/1/1/3

Hi Catherine

You might find some information on evaluating agricultural extension policy at the Modernising Extension and Advisory Services website- http://meas.illinois.edu/

Also search Wageginen University Agriculture webpages as they do a lot of research on extension.

regards

Joanne

What is essential in econometric modelling is proper definition of the variables and their intended mode of entry into the model. 

Hi Catherine, I recommend you this reference from CGIAR:

Strategic Guidance for Ex Post Impact Assessment of Agricultural Research (http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0276e/i0276e00.htm)

Hi Catherine, I recommend you this guidelines book from CGIAR:

Strategic Guidance for Ex Post Impact Assessment of Agricultural Research (http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0276e/i0276e00.htm)

CGIAR has many documents that can help you.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0276e/i0276e00.htm

http://www.cgiar.org/

I suggest you have a look at the resources from G-GFRAS, at www.g-fras.org

Hi Catherine,

I refer you to the document : Policy Analysis report (deliverable 6.1)

David Barling, Bill Vorley and Julie Smith (City University London & IIED). you can also find some good reports on Policy Analysis  in FAO site. 

All the best

Please see this links: 

http://www.tegemeo.org/images/downloads/conferences/tegemeo_workingpaper_26.pdf

http://www.future-agricultures.org/publications/research-and-analysis/1539-gender-analysis-engaging-with-rural-development-and-agricultural-policy-processes/file

http://www.betuco.be/voorlichting/Improving%20agricultural%20extension%20FAO.pdf

My view is little different. What is wrong in pursuing economic models! After all agriculture should support farmers and connected citizens with immediate economic benefits. However, I suggest to consider complimenting models like SCOR that assesses supply chain issues.

Social issues in agriculture are in my view highly influenced by economics. Farmers knew how economy of scale and group activities influence economics of aggregation. So I think, economic considerations are prime if innovations with disruptive technologies are embraced.