Improving the impact of post-harvest research and development on root and tuber crops: The needs-assessment approach

Resources for research and development activities are limited and, therefor e, it is important to accurately target research work and technical interve ntions to the true needs and opportunities of farmers, professors, or trade rs. This paper details the use of needs-assessment techniques to assess the constraints and opportunities in post-harvest systems. Two examples of nee ds-assessment studies and subsequent adaptive research and technology disse mination activities, are presented to demonstrate the use of needs assessme nt in the planning and implementation phases of the project cycle. The exam ples are taken from work in Tanzania and Uganda, Needs-assessment technique s have the potential to improve the relevance of post-harvest research and development and are recommended as part of a participatory approach to prio ritising research, technology generation, and diffusion. The methods do, ho wever, have their weaknesses and shortcomings and these are discussed.