These field-based studies were selected on the basis of their analytical strength and their ability to integrate social analysis into the overall analysis. These criteria favor case studies with existing panel data and good control groups; highly disaggregated data collection; and plans to undertake new data collection. The methodologies and outcome of the first wave of studies will inform the design of other CGIAR studies on the impact of agricultural research.

• A review of the literature on the links between agricultural research and poverty confirmed that while agricultural research can have very favorable impacts on the poor, such outcomes are not inevitable and depend on the presence of enabling socioeconomic conditions.
• Phase I generated an evolving appreciation for the value of combining traditional quantitative impact assessment with institutional and social analyses. This led to the development of a methodology for integrating social and economic analysis using the sustainable livelihood framework. A write-up of the methods (PDF 132K) employed in the Wave 2 case studies has generated considerable interest in employing the sustainable livelihoods framework in other impact assessment work.
• Presentation of the findings of the synthesis study at the CGIAR Annual General Meeting in 2003 and other for a has begun a discussion of implications for agricultural research priorities.
• The results emanating from the case studies in addition to the lessons learned from Phase I will not only enable the agricultural research community to better target their research efforts to the needs of the poor, but it will also provide valuable information to policy makers on what types of research investments are most effective for tackling poverty.
• Lessons will also be generated on methods for integrating social and economic analysis in poverty impact assessments and provide guidelines to the CGIAR for future monitoring and evaluation work.