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Agricultural

eSYS advises on agriculture and rural development, offering expertise in R&D management, commercialization, and partnerships. We support strategic planning through program design and evaluation, using cost–benefit analysis, financial assessments, general equilibrium modelling, and stakeholder engagement to guide investment decisions.

Rice fields in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Services

Economic Analysis
R&D Management
Business Planning
Governance

Completed Agricultural Projects

Midterm Evaluation of the IFAD “Use of conservation agriculture in crop-livestock systems (CLCA) in the drylands for enhanced water use efficiency, soil fertility and productivity in NEN and LAC countries” Project

Global

01/21-8/21

Image by Javi Hoffens
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

The project was reviewed using OECD project evaluation criteria outlined in the IFAD Evaluation Manual. The review appraised the activities and outputs achieved by ICARDA and its partners, assessing their effectiveness and alignment with project objectives. Based on the findings, recommendations were provided for the remaining phase of the project, focusing on areas for improved implementation and ensuring the successful achievement of the project's goals. These recommendations aimed to optimize project outcomes and guide the final stage of implementation

Evaluation of the Asian Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Elimination Strategy

Asia Regional

01/10-3/10

Image by Javi Hoffens
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

Cost-benefit analysis of the SE Asia FMD program. The evaluation involved a combination of epidemiological and economic modelling. Study estimated how control strategies have impacted disease prevalence and livestock productivity parameters

Evaluation of Poultry Industry Research

Australia

03/08 - 07/08

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Poultry CRC

Economic returns from a suite of poultry health research projects. The Australian Poultry CRC had four main programs: being enhanced quality and productivity using novel approaches to digestive physiology and metabolism of poultry, sustainable poultry health through discovery, development and application of emerging biotechnology, improved management of poultry welfare and the environmental impact of poultry production, and education and training

Appraisal of Australian Sheep Industry Development Projects

Australia

05/03-07/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Wool Innovation Limited

Cost-benefit analysis was performed on 50 farm-level product and process development projects for Australian Wool Innovation Pty Limited. The analysis focused on potential economic benefits within several R&D programs, including Sustainable Production Systems, Animal Health and Exotic Disease, Genetic Technologies, and Logistics and Fibre Specification. Economic impacts of the projects were defined using cash flow modeling, which helped quantify the returns and risks associated with each initiative. The findings provided insights that were used for strategic planning and investment decisions, aiming to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Australian wool industry

Appraisal of Wine Industry Development Projects

Australia

10/02-01/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture

The project involved an economic appraisal of nine proposals for the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture (CRCV), covering vineyard management for grape quality, sustainable vineyard systems, improved grapevine performance through gene technology, and education research programs. Responsibilities included reviewing potential project outcomes, conducting cash-flow modeling, and preparing a report that assessed the financial viability and impact of each proposal. The final report was used to support resource mobilization efforts, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive evaluation to guide investment decisions in viticulture research and development

Appraisal of Australian Wine Industry Development Projects

Australia

10/02-01/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture

Economic appraisal of project proposals for the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture (CRCV). Proposals were taken from core research and development programs

Evaluation of Animal Health Projects in Nepal

Nepal

11/00 - 02/01

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

An economic evaluation was conducted for an animal health improvement project focused on foot rot eradication in nomadic sheep and goat flocks in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. The analysis assessed vaccine adoption, disease prevalence reduction, and farmer benefits resulting from enhanced livestock productivity. Interviews with farmers were conducted to gather insights, and a cash flow model was developed to determine the project’s returns. A report was prepared for marketing purposes.

Ex Ante Impact Assessment for Global Livestock Cooperative Research Program

Global

02/16-5/16

Image by Javi Hoffens
International Livestock Research Institute

The project supported the case for and prioritization of research under the second phase of the CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Livestock Agri-Food Systems, conducting an ex-ante impact assessment to estimate the relative returns on investment in the proposed research components. An economic surplus methodology was used to estimate future benefits from research investments, which was then translated into an @RISK spreadsheet-based model to undertake the analysis. The approach guided the allocation of resources in the CRP’s livestock-related research initiatives

Development of M&E Framework for Vietnam’s Avian Influenza Plan

Vietnam

03/08 – 11/08

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United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

The project mapped current government processes and reviewed best practices in M&E and results-based management, sharing insights with relevant agencies. An M&E system was proposed, along with actions to improve the harmonization of monitoring procedures across agencies. Additionally, a series of meetings were organized and coordinated to facilitate capacity development and gather feedback from stakeholders. These efforts aimed to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation framework, enhance coordination, and ensure more effective implementation of results-based management practices across the government’s programs

Proposal Development for Animal Health Projects in Africa

Africa Regional

09/06 - 12/06

Image by Javi Hoffens
International Livestock Research Institute

Project proposals were developed for the Alive Program for Avian Influenza Knowledge Hub in Kenya, Vaccine and Diagnostic Development for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Sanitary Protocols for Livestock Trade in Eastern and West Africa

Evaluation of Animal Health Projects in SE Asia

Asia Regional

12/02-02/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

Economic evaluation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) management projects in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Livestock production systems characterized and impact of targeted vaccination programs and improved surveillance evaluated. Cost-benefit analysis of project costs and animal health benefits undertaken. Report prepared for marketing purposes

Evaluation of Animal Health Projects in China

China, Malaysia

05/03-07/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

The project involved an economic evaluation of bluetongue and bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) animal disease control initiatives in China, Malaysia, and Australia. It characterized livestock production systems, assessed research project outputs, and quantified the impact of vaccines on agricultural production using economic and poverty alleviation criteria, such as improved producer incomes, reduced food prices, health benefits, environmental advantages, promotion of pro-poor policies, and institutional change. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted to compare project costs with animal health benefits. The findings were compiled into a report for marketing purposes, showcasing the project's impact on both agriculture and poverty reduction

Appraisal of Australian Textile Product Development Projects

Australia

07/02-12/02

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Wool Innovation Limited

Cost-benefit analysis of 46 new product and process development projects for Australian Wool Innovation Pty Limited. Potential industry economic benefits analyzed for fibre and textile components of the organization’s R&D portfolio. International fibre and textile markets characterized, strategic fit of projects with current industry trends assessed and project impacts economically defined using cash flow modelling. Results used to assist with resource allocation in the portfolio

Business Plan Development for Commercialisation of Animal Health Vaccines in Southern in Africa

Zimbabwe

07/97-06/99

Image by Javi Hoffens
International Livestock Research Institute

A business plan was developed to assist with the commercialisation of animal health vaccines (redwater and gallsickness) in Zimbabwe. Vaccine market potential and value of product to end-users were modelled to determine appropriate vaccine pricing. Team Leader and responsible for report preparation and finalisation, along with facilitation of stakeholder workshops to ensure implementation of key project findings (for Dept. of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe)

Economic Evaluation of National Veterinary Strengthening Plans in Vietnam and the Philippines

Vietnam, Philippines

05/10-7/10

Image by Javi Hoffens
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

The project involved cost-benefit analysis of national veterinary services plans, focusing on the livestock sector in Southeast Asia. Key tasks included providing contextual information on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the sector. A literature review was conducted- summarizing existing economic studies related to veterinary services investment in Southeast Asia. The project also involved quantifying and assessing the economic value of strengthened veterinary services and improved animal health, highlighting the potential benefits of investing in veterinary infrastructure for the region's economic development and livestock productivity

Cost-benefit Analysis of Australian Strawberry Breeding Program

Australia

04/08 - 09/08

Image by Javi Hoffens
Horticulture Australia

Cost-benefit analysis of strawberry breeding in Australia. Project costs, market potential, product premiums and risks included in cash flow model. Report prepared for board and industry committee consideration of future investment in the program

Evaluation of Post-harvest Fruit Handling Capacity in the Pacific

Pacific Regional

11/04-01/05

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

Economic evaluation of post-harvest fruit handling procedures to improve food security and nutrition in Pacific Islands. Also, scope for increased fruit exports assessed. Fruit fly disinfection technology evaluated and economic impact of expanding capacity assessed. Team leader and report prepared for marketing purposes

Development of Strategic Plan for R&D and Marketing of Australian Pork

Australia

05/03-08/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Pork Limited

A quantitative economic analysis was conducted on new product development and marketing projects within the Australian pig-meat industry. The analysis focused on key components of the industry portfolio, including expanding and retaining sustainable domestic and export markets, minimizing regulatory impacts on growth, promoting technical and business innovations, and delivering valuable information and services to industry participants. Over 20 strategic directions were assessed within a cost-benefit economic framework. Responsible for reviewing project outcomes, assisting with project management, cash-flow modeling, and report preparation. The results were utilized for strategic planning to guide future industry initiatives

Evaluation of Tropical Crop Biotechnology Projects

Australia

10/03 - 12/03

Image by Javi Hoffens
Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Plant Protection

Economic evaluation of research and product development projects for key Australian tropical cropping research centre. Projects evaluated included molecular and classical development of disease resistance in wheat, disease resistance in sugarcane and investigation of novel proteins which confer resistance in cereal crops. Developed economic models and preparation of project report

Appraisal of Australian Pig Industry Research & Development Projects

Australia

03/02-05/02

Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Pork Limited

Cost-benefit analysis of prospective Australian pig production industry extension and new product development projects. Potential industry economic benefits analysed for 25 projects.  Responsible for reviewing project outcomes, assisting with project management, cash-flow modelling and report preparation. Results used to select new projects for financing

Featured Project

Midterm Evaluation of the IFAD “Strengthening Knowledge Management for Greater Development Effectiveness in the Near East, North Africa, Central Asia and Europe” Project
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
Global
01/21-8/21
The project appraisal involved assessing progress using the results-based logical framework, impact pathways, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Knowledge Management Strategy. It focused on identifying and evaluating the outcomes of the project, as well as recognizing enablers and constraints affecting the attainment of project results. Key lessons learned were extracted, and practical recommendations were made for corrective actions needed to achieve the envisioned project results within the remaining project period. The evaluation aimed to enhance project effectiveness and ensure that the project meets its objectives before completion
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