Abstract. Because of the relative dearth of scientific information in agroforestry, monitoring
and evaluation of agroforestry technologies in development projects plays an important role
in the development and improvement of technical extension recommendations. To identify
appropriate methodologies, ICRAF conducted in 1988-89 a review of agroforestry technology
monitoring and evaluation in 166 projects worldwide, of which 108 responded. Almost
80% of these were involved in technology evaluation. Many extension projects were conducting
research to test technologies on-farm or on research plots. Technology evaluation by
projects focused on the biological performance of trees, often with inadequate consideration
of the technology context. Few projects seemed to use farmer assessment in evaluation.
Recommendations are made for an effective evaluation process and selection of appropriate
methods and variables to be assessed by projects. Methods should be selected according to the
availability of resources and should favour collaborative or collegial interaction between
farmers and project staff.