Agricultural technology improvement project

Evaluation covered the period 7/84-7/86. A total of 28 action decisions are presented. Decisions relating directly to the FSR approach are to: (1) better articulate FSR to senior MOA decisionmakers: (2) use the upcoming Agricultural Sector Assessment to develop alternative strategies for institutionalizing or gaining greater acceptance of FSR and for studying the question of expanding FSR work into commercial farming areas; (3) develop an instruction guide on suitable FSR methodologies for Botswana"s unpredictable and difficult growing conditions; (4) and improve linkages between FSR and on-station researchers, between researchers and extensionists, and between FSR practitioners and MOA policymakers. Action decisions addressing training needs call for, inter alia: (1) seeking additional funding for long- and short-term training for FSR positions; (2) programming additional host country long-term training funds for professional training of extension staff; (3) incorporating FSR training into the curriculum of Botswana Agricultural College; (4) providing in-service FSR training to various MOA personnel; (5) providing training in data collection, information management, and computers to selected counterparts; and (6) providing funding for professional staff to attend international and regional conferences and workshops. The remaining action decisions deal with changes in the project"s institutional arrangements, personnel assignments, financial procedures, and input requirements.