As donors re-examine the allocation of budgets in order to maximise the impact of scarce aid funds, they are keen to learn of the value of previous research and to improve the likelihood of future success. Similarly, research managers are keen to improve the selection and management of projects and to strengthen arguments to justify the continued allocation of funds to research. Evaluation of forestry research is, in essence, no different from RNR research except that the difficulties are compounded by the long-term nature of research, the long lag between initial research and impact; limitations on promotion activities; more complex adoption issues and (perhaps) greater exposure to the vagaries of the wider policy and economic environment given the long lags involved. Evaluations of forestry research are relatively few in number and the majority of these have examined research directed at the forest products industry.

The need for the study was identified by the FRP Programme Manager. While it is unlikely that "new" information about methodologies to evaluate forestry research will be discovered, it is desirable that past and present approaches are reviewed and summarised in a form accessible to the non-specialist. From this basis, the study will seek to develop practical recommendations to improve MandE activitie within FRP.

Methodologies for improved monitoring and evaluation of uptake and impact of FRP research developed and implemented.