Measuring Performance in Agricultural Extension: A Common Metrics Framework

Event Information
There is no universally-accepted framework for how to measure the performance of agricultural extension and advisory services. The best-fit framework suggests an impact chain approach, where components of the system (e.g. governance and management structures, organizational and individual capacities and methods and approaches) affect the performance of the system. Where the best-fit framework falls short, though, is in establishing a common set of indicators against which to measure outcomes and impacts.
There is value in having an established set of metrics to compare and contrast the performance of extension systems across countries and contexts. With common metrics, learning can be shared and adapted across multiple settings and guide policymakers, funders and implementers toward investments, innovations and activities that maximize impact.
The Feed the Future Developing Local Extension Capacity (DLEC) project is leading an initiative to develop a common framework for extension metrics. It is a work in progress, so speakers will present the framework elements to date and debate on difficult elements. There will be time for discussion and feedback from the audience. Join us to get an exclusive first look at this framework, explore the methods and rationale for its creation and provide valued feedback that we will incorporate as we finalize this tool!
Speakers
David Spielman

Senior Research Fellow
IFPRI
David J. Spielman is a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). He joined IFPRI in 2004 and is currently based in Washington, DC with the Environment and Production Technology Division. He leads the institute’s program on science, technology, and innovation policy. David’s research agenda covers a range of topics including agricultural R&D; plant genetic resource policy and seed systems; agricultural extension and advisory services; and community-driven rural development. Prior to this, David was based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with IFPRI’s Knowledge, Innovation, and Capacity Division and its International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) division. Earlier in his career, David worked on agriculture and rural development issues for the World Bank (Washington, D.C.), the Aga Khan Development Network (Pakistan), and several other organizations. David received a Ph.D. in Economics from American University in 2003, an M.Sc. in Development Studies from the London School of Economics in 1993, and a B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University in 1992.
Kristin Davis

Project Director DLEC
IFPRI - DLEC Project
Kristin Davis is a Senior Research Fellow with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) where she’s worked since 2004. Kristin has a PhD in international agricultural extension with a minor in farming systems from the University of Florida. Her research involves research and capacity strengthening on agricultural extension, education, and agricultural innovation systems. She currently is Project Director for the USAID-funded project Developing Local Extension Capacity (DLEC).
Judy Payne

Consultant
Digital Solutions for Agriculture
Judy served as USAID's Digital Solutions Advisor for Agriculture until 2017 and now is an independent consultant with the same focus. Currently she is helping USAID missions and their projects use digital tools to increase the reach and impact. She has designed and managed several public private partnerships related to digital solutions for agriculture. She focuses especially on ways digitally enabled agriculture services can be delivered in financially and organizationally sustainable ways; how to measure their impact on the poor; and cost effectiveness of such services.
Prior to USAID, Judy worked for over 25 years in the US private sector, including working on all aspects of e-business: from strategic planning to hands on implementation, marketing, and pricing. She was VP of a venture capital backed business-to-business e-commerce service. Judy holds a BA from Stanford University, a masters degree from Harvard and was a Fulbright Scholar.
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