The social sciences' contribution to range management is not limited to the study of range users. Research in range and pasture management can also benefit from social science analysis. Studies of range and pasture research provide the range technician with information that can be used to evaluate the value of research results. Such studies also help governments identify research priorities and define the kinds of research that are needed to support pastoral development programmes. This paper examines range and pasture research in Peru. It illustrates how social and economic factors influence the type of technical knowledge created by researchers and how this knowledge base influences the way that livestock development programmes are carried out.