Developing Economic Accountability Studies: Success Stories of Texas Cooperative Extension

Success Story

Increasing pressure on state and federal governments in allocating scarce public funds has led to an increase in program performance and accountability requirements. In addition, Cooperative Extension in Southern states is facing an increase in demand for demonstrating the economic impacts of Extension programs. Economic impact studies of Texas Cooperative Extension (TCE) programs are a way to communicate the economic benefits of these programs to elected officials at the state and county levels. These studies serve as the primary vehicle used to demonstrate economic accountability to key funding sources and represent an increasingly important component of Extension accountability.

TCE delivers educational programs in four primary areas: agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development, and community and economic development. Ten studies have been conducted. Analytical methods used include IMPLAN input-output models, net present value and statistical analysis of participant survey data. The presentation will highlight the impacts of five studies: (1) FiberMax, (2) meat goat production as an alternative livestock enterprise, (3) development of the catfish industry, (4) nutrition education, and (5) increased physical activity.

The results of these studies indicate a wide range of economic benefits resulting from Extension efforts. The impact of three of the programs have generated approximately $80 million in value-added to the Texas economy and helped support over 1,200 jobs. With the increasing need to demonstrate the economic benefits of Extension to justify funding, Extension must make a commitment to applying accepted economic analysis methods to targeted Extension programs.