The Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the Career Development Scholarship Project for Processed Agricultural Products in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the social returns on investment (SROI) of the career development scholarship project for processed agricultural products in Ubon Ratchathani province. Data was collected using observation and in-depth interviews with involved stakeholders, especially the entrepreneurs of processed agricultural products. The sample size was determined using the purposive sampling selection by convenience sampling random method. Participants and respondents were 80 farmers in communities around the area of Ubon Ratchathani University. consisted of a questionnaire and semi-structured in-depth interviews, as well as a focus group. The data analysis used social impact assessment using ex-ante and ongoing evaluation. The research results found that a net return of a calculation of the social returns was at 1.31, indicating that every 1 baht of investment in conducting the research was able to create returns for entrepreneurs with both social value and economic value  at 1.31 baht. Therefore, this research used the research budget effectively and created benefits for society. Principled policy recommendations for the study included the implementation of social return assessment, which should be applied among other involved agencies that are conducting similar projects in order to assess the value of returns from investment.  Furthermore, relevant agencies can use this project activity as a guideline for organizing activities to promote job creation in surrounding areas and communities. This can create potential for the local community to have the ability to be an entrepreneur of processed agricultural products.