Arid lands agriculture research program

PES covers the period 9/82-10/84 and summarizes attached external mid-term evaluation (XD-AAQ-664-A), based on site visits, document review, and interviews. Although only one full year of field trials have been conducted during the project"s two years, progress has been quite satisfactory; the only serious delay was caused by a fund-flow problem. Project infrastructure and staff are in place, and Egyptian/Israeli coordination is apparently working effectively despite heightened regional tensions. The interaction of San Diego State University (SDSU) with officials in both host countries has been excellent. Research findings are likely to have practical importance to agriculture in both Egypt and Israel, and the importance of disseminating these results to herders is recognized. A proposed add-on for Bedouin demonstration and technology transfer appears soundly conceived and highly desirable as a supplement to other project activities. (Attached A.I.D. memoranda reject the Bedouin add-on proposal, however.) It is further recommended that the project be extended for three years. Action decisions are to: ensure that more junior scientists (post graduates) are involved in research, travel, and training, and that all parties receive clear guidelines for transferring funds; encourage consultants and missions to set up annual steering committees and arrange visits by junior scientists in order to stimulate regional cooperation; and conduct another external evaluation in 9/87. (Near East Abstract)