Agro-climate/environmental monitoring project, extension implementation plan [for Bangladesh : final report]

Evaluation covers 1980-5/88, and includes recommendations for a possible extension beyond the current PACD of 12/88. The project has significantly strengthened SPARRSO. Operation of stations to receive and process satellite data is now routine at SPARRSO, and data are delivered to the Meteorological Department on a daily basis. Staff are fully competent to maintain and operate all equipment provided by the project. SPARRSO"s ability to meet user needs has developed slowly, mostly because of slow delivery of equipment. For example, the computer system was not installed until 1985, and the final software is yet to arrive. Despite these constraints, a wide range of natural resource studies have been undertaken and completed for a variety of Bangladeshi and donor agencies. User acceptance of SPARRSO work is apparently very high. There are, however, a number of short- and long-term management, procedural, and technical constraints on SPARRSO"s outreach to users. Key needs include (1) organizational changes to enhance SPARRSO"s potential for self-sufficiency; (2) procedural changes to allow SPARRSO to operate the UNDP Service Oriented Program; (3) actions to guarantee maintenance and upgrading of project-funded facilities and to provide for potential integration of various SPARRSO projects; and (4) plans to increase SPARRSO"s interaction with the regional and international remote sensing communities. A project continuation is strongly recommended. Specific recommendations are provided for both the near (1988-90) and long-term (1990-93) future. During 1988-90, SPARRSO should, inter alia, (1) form special units to facilitate transfer of services and products to user agencies and donors; (2) introduce PC-based image processing work-stations with geographic image processing software and establish networks to the existing VAX system; (3) examine the Data Collection Platform program and establish a local contract to service the platforms and update the sensor electronics; (4) improve photographic and report publishing capabilities though improved PC software; and (5) continue staff training and development programs. Total cost of this short-term program is about $1.5 million. Over the long-term, SPARSSO should (1) replace the VAX system; (2) replace or upgrade the meteorological satellite ground receiving station to receive new types of information from U.S. and other satellite programs; (3) increase PC network capabilities; and (4) continue at a reduced level on-the-job training. The projected budget for this program is $830,000.