AID contract no. LAG-4201-C-00-3052-00 with Abt Associates, Inc. in support of the agricultural policy analysis project (APAP), phase III, to assist host - country decision - makers in identifying issues and resolving problems concerning agricultural policy, especially those relating to market performance, equity and agricultural/environmental sustainability

The project, to be implemented by Abt Associates, Inc., constitutes Phase III of the Agricultural Policy Analysis Project (APAP), Phases I and II of which were funded under 9364084. APAP-III will provide the R&D Bureau, Regional Bureaus, Missions, and host countries with TA to perform focused policy studies and program evaluations, undertake policy analysis and assessments, and develop food security strategies, including those related to agribusiness and natural resource policies. While the actual areas in which TA and expertise is provided will vary in accordance with the needs of the individual host countries, the initial areas in which assistance will be provided are: agricultural and food policy, environmental and natural resource management, agribusiness and marketing policy, public administration and management policy, agricultural research and extension policy, financial and credit policy, political economy, monetary and fiscal policy, and trade policy. Much of the project"s work will center around policy issues in five general areas: (1) reduction of government intervention in agricultural production, marketing, and food processing; (2) improvement in the organization and functioning of agricultural markets; (3) rationalization of decisionmaking concerning public expenditures/investments in research and social programs; (4) equity issues; and (5) promotion of agricultural sustainability through correct pricing of natural resources, particularly land and water. Expected project outputs include: sector and policy inventory assessments; development of program indicators; monitoring, evaluation, and analyses of policy reforms; technical training; and input into program/project design, implementation, and evaluation.