The evaluation of forest policies and programmes

TLDR: In this article, the authors review some key evaluation concepts applied in modern program evaluation practice, such as estimation of program effects in the long run and quantification of multiple outcomes, in the assessment of forestry policies and programmes.

Abstract: In this paper we review some key evaluation concepts applied in modern programme evaluation practice. In the assessment of forestry policies and programmes, some of these concepts such as estimation of programme effects in the long run and quantification of multiple outcomes would need to take into account special features of forestry. The evaluation of public expenditure programmes is normally required to meet basic standards of good professional practice. The evaluation judgements can be made either at the programme level or with regard to both the programme and the socio-economic problems it seeks to address. Since direct measuring of all programme effects would be too costly and timeconsuming, when assessing changes brought about by the programme the evaluators need to use appropriate evaluation designs as well as sound analytical techniques.