Publications

Effective rural development (RD) policy requires a framework that includes transparent goals, specific objectives, well-defined metrics to measure success, and rigorous evaluation to justify sound policy. Such evaluation can employ aggregate indicators of impact (a macro approach) and/or more disaggregated information (a micro approach). Each has its place. In this article we first examine the contribution that can be made to evaluation by a macro approach, drawing on examples from Canada and the United States. Next we focus attention on the micro approach, using the example of farm diversification policy in the European Union.  These examples show that, as with any tool, judgement is needed when applying either technique.