1983 report, external review panel : the bean/cowpea collaborative research support program (CRSP)

The special evaluations were conducted 8/83-12/83 and are based on document review, indepth interviews, and site visits. Of the 18 projects - 12 on beans and 6 on cowpeas - 9 were rated satisfactory for continuation without major changes or adjustments. Five were judged satisfactory for continuation with a recommendation for identified changes or adjustments. Four were deemed less than satisfactory for continuation unless major deficiencies and weaknesses are corrected. Despite the sizeable number of domestic and foreign institutions distributed in North, Central and South America (including the Caribbean) and in East, West and Southern Africa, the CRSP Management Office (MO), Board of Directors, Technical Committee, and 9 U.S. universities and 1 research institute have been able to provide satisfactory administrative and technical management for the 13 countries with CRSP projects. This is particularly significant because it has been during a period of high personnel turnover in the MO. There are several exceptions, but operations of the CRSP projects overall have been carried out quite well. Given the number of projects and the diversity of activities and personalities in a cross-cultural, intergovernmental relationship, this is a surprising achievement worthy of special recognition. As a unique, new member of the international agricultural research and development system, this CRSP arrangement shows considerable promise. It is a highly acceptable and effective method for bringing extensive U.S. knowledge to support food and agricultural development in low-income, food-deficient nations. In the short-term, predictable benefits can accrue from the transfer and/or development of knowledge and materials under the CRSP arrangement. Clearly, this process is underway in the bean/cowpea CRSP and the direct benefits surely will exceed the costs. For the long term, the benefits are likely to be more rewarding: the CRSP builds institutional, personal, and professional relationships which will endure long after its demise. Such relationships will continue to pay dividends, given the dynamic nature of agriculture and the need to draw continually on expertise wherever it exists.