Agricultural research project

PES covers the period 8/79-2/83 and is based on two attached special evaluations, XD-AAM-810-A and XD-AAM-810-B, the latter examining the closely linked Women in Agricultural Development project (9300300). Although progress has been made in strengthening the DAR"s capacity to conduct sound agricultural research, a series of problems has impeded achievement of the most important objective, that of developing research-extension linkages. Delays occurred in procurement, construction of facilities, contractual negotiations for technical assistance, and identification of candidates for graduate training. Government of Malawi (GOM) provision of research and support personnel was also inadequate and budgetary management was poor. Disagreement among USAID/M, the MOA, and the University of Florida contract team as to the relative priority of research results, institution strengthening, and the provision of commodities, facilities, and services has resulted in diffuse project efforts, showing that agricultural research projects should have sharply focused priorities and should concentrate their efforts in a few areas. Reorganization of the DAR, planned for late 1983 (details are not yet available) is likely to have a major impact on the project. To redress project problems, 66 recommendations are made regarding training; technical assistance; budget and project management; the establishment of priorities; economic, farming system, livestock, and other research efforts; and follow-on research projects.