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Application of a Comprehensive Methodology for the Evaluation of Social Innovations in Rural Communities

Author

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  • Antonio Baselice

    (Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy)

  • Maurizio Prosperi

    (Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy)

  • Valentino Marini Govigli

    (European Forest Institute, Mediterranean Facility (EFIMED), St. Antoni M. Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Antonio Lopolito

    (Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in social innovation (SI) in agriculture, the literature lacks validated tools for evaluating such initiatives. This paper provides an empirical application of the evaluation approach developed within the H2020 SIMRA project to a pilot experience conducted in a rural area of Southern Italy. The value added by this case study is the application of the five types of criteria used by the OECD for the evaluation of development programs, which are commonly referred to as REEIS: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. This experiment demonstrates the adequacy of the evaluation framework in identifying strengths and weaknesses of the initiative, according to a multifaceted perspective. The overall evaluation proves that most indicators fall under the high (48%) and medium categories (36%), and only few indicators are low (16%). The usefulness of the evaluation results is manifold. First, this evaluation highlights relevant arguments to support the communication strategy addressed at civil society, therefore reinforcing the civic engagement of the initiative, which is the distinctive feature of SI. Second, it supports project managers in addressing interventions to face emerging weaknesses. Finally, the evaluation provides factual evidence to policy makers to perform cost-effective analysis of rural development policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Baselice & Maurizio Prosperi & Valentino Marini Govigli & Antonio Lopolito, 2021. "Application of a Comprehensive Methodology for the Evaluation of Social Innovations in Rural Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1807-:d:495267
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Verena Gramm & Cristina Dalla Torre & Andrea Membretti, 2020. "Farms in Progress-Providing Childcare Services as a Means of Empowering Women Farmers in South Tyrol, Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Bock, Bettina B., 2012. "Social innovation and sustainability; how to disentangle the buzzword and its application in the field of agriculture and rural development," Studies in Agricultural Economics, Research Institute for Agricultural Economics, vol. 114(2), pages 1-7, October.
    3. Bram Peters & Marion Herens & Jan Brouwers, 2018. "Capturing Social Innovations in Agricultural Transformation from the Field: Outcomes of a Write-Shop," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Matson, James & Sullins, Martha & Cook, Chris, 2013. "The Role of Food Hubs in Local Food Marketing," Service Reports (SR) 280771, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
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    1. Antonio Baselice & Mariarosaria Lombardi & Maurizio Prosperi & Antonio Stasi & Antonio Lopolito, 2021. "Key Drivers of the Engagement of Farmers in Social Innovation for Marginalised Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Juan Antonio Parrilla-González & Diego Ortega-Alonso, 2021. "Social Innovation in Olive Oil Cooperatives: A Case Study in Southern Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-13, April.
    3. Antonio Baselice & Maurizio Prosperi & Antonio Lopolito, 2021. "A Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Social Agriculture: An Application to a Project Aimed at the Employability of Young People NEET," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, August.

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