MARAMAG, Bukidnon – A “Training course on economic research methodologies in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources: Impact assessment (IA) of R&D and technology commercialization programs” was held recently at the Central Mindanao University (CMU) in this town.
Forty-seven researchers from the Central Mindanao University, Caraga State University, Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, Sultan Kudarat State University, Western Mindanao State University, University of Southern Mindanao, University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao, Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology, and Xavier University; and regional government offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and National Economic and Development Authority participated in the training.
In collaboration with CMU, PCAARRD conducted the training-workshop to equip the participants with knowledge and understanding of the concept, principles, approaches, and analytical tools on IA of R&D programs/projects; improve the proficiency of participants in applying various quantitative and qualitative methods for impact evaluation; and develop IA project proposals.
The impact assessment framework, dimension, data collection strategies, and research methods and tools were discussed by PCAARRD Socio-Economics Research Division Assistant Director Ernesto O. Brown, Central Luzon State University Professor Maria Excelsis M. Orden, UP Los Baños Professor Marilyn M. Elauria, and Visayas State University Professor Fe M. Gabunada.
Armed with enhanced knowledge and capability, participants prepared IA project proposals and presented these at the end of the training-workshop.
Incidentally, participants were also exposed to IA studies in one of the sessions in the Philippine Agricultural Economics and Development Association Convention held after the training.