Agricultural development support - poultry extension and training subproject

PES covers the period 8/82-4/84 and is based on an attached special evaluation (XD-AAP-924-A). Progress has been mixed. Training has been provided to 22 extension agents at the Sana"a poultry training center (SPTC) (vs. a target of 30); 3 students are enrolled in long-term U.S. programs (vs. a target of 10), with 9 others set to go. Short courses have been held for over 700 farmers. The project has constructed 4 demonstration units and 4 SPTC brooder houses. Development of the Bir al-Qusain pullet production facility, delayed by difficulties in acquiring land, is well underway. Economic studies on poultry meat production issues have been conducted; egg production studies have made less progress. Pullet distribution has been seriously hampered by the lack of production facilities (due largely to the MOA"s unexpected conversion of the al-Rawdah facility to broiler production) and project management"s inadequate response to the problem. Only 7,624 (vs. a first year target of 28,000) pullets have been distributed (74% to victims of the 12/82 Dhamar earthquake). However, subsequent to the special evaluation the MOA opened 2 al-Rawdah broiler houses for pullet production (10,000 additional pullets should be available by 12/84). As extension to women, (the primary tenders of household flocks) has been inadequate, the MOA has also agreed to add a female poultry technician. Other problems have included: lack of experienced counterpart staff; inadequate YARG funding; YARG"s failure to complete SPTC dormitory construction; and poor project planning/administration. Unplanned effects are: farm family nutrition has improved as most Dhamar beneficiaries consumed rather than sold the additional eggs; and the MOA has requested TA (which could place a heavy burden on SP staff) in developing a plan to use MOA poultry facilities more efficiently. The importance of keeping the project focused and flexible and of having experienced management (although not necessarily from the academic community) is noted. Six action decisions are given.