Agronomic research II : OMVS/USAID Senegal River Basin agronomic research project; phase I, project design

All major project output targets were met. A work plan was submitted on schedule in 7/79 outlining Phase I efforts and the completed Project Paper amendment met the objective of defining an agricultural research program for the SRB. All required research designs, reports, budgets, evaluation plans and environmental assessments were completed as planned, although not necessarily in line with the original completion schedule. In addition, all expenditures conformed to the original budget. A joint workshop was conducted for project participants in Dakar in 5/80 and a leader study tour of exprimental stations in the U.S. was held for officials from Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal and from their joint body, the Senegal River Development Organization. However, there were problems in getting approval for alternate staffing. No qualified agricultural research administrator could be located and the project leader hired in 1980 was terminated due to unsuitability in 8/80. Additional team members were brought on board in the spring and summer of 1980. The project completion date was delayed from 6/80 to 3/81, with a later extension to 5/31/81. By mutual assent between A.I.D. and the CID no construction work was initiated at the 3 agronomic research centers, although it had been called for in the Project Paper. Recommendations are to maintain flexibility in expectations for research projects and develop a more open attitude between A.I.D. and CID universities.