Continuous Improvement and Innovation as an Approach to Effective Research and Development: A 'Trident' Evaluation of the Beef Profit Partnerships Project

Effective socio-economic service delivery is vital for alleviating poverty in developing countries.Increased financial support without complementary investment in service delivery mechanisms oftenresults in little or no impact. This paper contributes to the discussion on how to maximize the impact ofagricultural R&D. The case study examined is the South African Beef Profit Partnerships project that isunderpinned by the Continuous Improvement and Innovation process. The evidence is presented using a‘trident’ evaluation approach: a description and analysis of the process followed; the measurement of theoutcomes achieved (impact); and the perspectives of the stakeholders involved.