Abstract

Jacob A. Yabi and Victor Afari-Sefa

In this study, data collected from 120 rural households located in two distinct socio-cultural locales of Benin was
used to assess the impact of 20 development projects on agricultural productivity. A ‘with-without’ approach of
impact evaluation is followed using ANOVA and econometric regressions. Results reveal no significant differences
of projects on agricultural productivity between participants in the two study zones. Econometric regression
estimates show significantly positive impacts on agricultural productivity for two selected project indicators in the
two study zones. However, the goal achievement index was more remarked in the Adja area, where the projects
were found to have better addressed development problems and provided higher impact. The results suggest the
need to improve management of agricultural projects to enhance their impact. Likewise, objectives and activities of
the projects should be oriented to deal better with development problems of rural people, in particular those of the
poorest and marginalized communities.