Evaluates project to strengthen family planning programs in developing countries. Evaluation covers the period 6/30/71-3/30/73 and is based on a review of project documents, interviews with Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA) personnel, and visits to subproject sites. FPIA”s performance has been unimpressive. The management of the central office is weak, with the selection of staff members related more to ethnic, racial, and gender considerations than to qualifications. FPAI”s failure to deliver requested supplies and equipment (such as films, projects, books, and pamplets) has resulted in a loss of credibility overseas. Performance in the field has also been weak, with a limited programmatic focus; poor staffing patterns and performance; inadequate planning, coordination, and evaluation; and loose coordination with other FP organizations. The evaluators note that the FPIA”s provision of contraceptives is often redundant, and that the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) program, which offers the greatest potential for contribution, is particularly slack. Although it was originally planned that FPIA would piggy-back with organizations such as Church World Services (CWS), this has not proven possible — CWS is weak in many areas and is cutting back on its programs. Despite these problems, the evaluation team emphasizes that many project objectives have been met. The Philippine program has been particularly effective. Recommendations include: (1) streamlining and redeployment of personnel in the New York office; (2) assigning field representatives to each region; (3) clearly defining FPIA”s organizational philosophy and objectives; (4) decentralizing staffing patterns and instituting in-service training programs; (5) shifting away from the channeling of commodities and emphasizing IEC programs; (6) focusing on a few larger projects; (7) identifying consultants with expertise in FPIA”s various programs and geographical areas; (8) improving data collection, reporting, and evaluation; and (9) clearly establishing FPIA”s role among the dozens of similar FP organizations operating abroad.
