Agricultural technical assistance and participant training program report for 1980

One participant has returned with a Ph.D.; three others are pursuing M.S. degrees in the United States. Most soil analysis, audiovisual, and food technology equipment and numerous books were received. Regarding soil analysis work, laboratory construction was delayed by an earthquake, and technicians have been locally trained. Separate soil laboratories for each island are not advisable. Prohibitive costs have postponed soil mapping. Extension services appear to be cooperating well. IUA sociocultural data collection were found to be of good quality, although coding has been slow. A baseline survey of 300 farms is under way. It is recommended that: the soil laboratory and greenhouses be completed and stocked; more soil technicians be trained; the current quality of soil analysis be maintained; the IUA organize extension workshops and training, increase its visibility, and recruit Azorian students; adaptive research priorities be identified; and existing soil information be gathered and coordinated.