Audit of the South Pacific region agricultural development project no. 879-0267

The audit covers the period 9/80-4/90. Although the sustainability of the project is uncertain, progress has been achieved in strengthening the School"s academic, research, and extension capabilities. Highlights in the academic area include the following: development of a program (with 89 graduates) to train agricultural teachers for secondary schools; placement of all 13 returned participant trainees either at the School or in Government service; upgrading of courses, curricula, and research activities, and of the School"s library; and construction/renovation of three research facilities. Assistance to the School"s Institute for Research, Extension, and Training in Agriculture has led to the development of disease- resistant breeds of taro, tomato, and sweet potato which have been disseminated to farmers in Tonga and Western Samoa, As a result, the Institute has attracted research grants from other donors. The project has also helped the School to establish an agricultural extension network. Agricultural liaison officers now serve as the primary channels of communication between the School and the Ministries of Agriculture in the region. In addition, extension-related seminars and workshops have been sponsored, agricultural journals and pamphlets published, and radio and television programs on extension topics produced. The sustainability of these achievements is doubtful, however, since the School has failed to develop plans for phasing out A.I.D. financial support. Currently, the project covers half of the School"s operating budget, 62% of research salaries, and 90% of liaison officers" salaries; moreover, 25% of students in the bachelor"s program and 100% of those in the advanced teaching program received project-funded scholarships. The Mission commented that a 2-year extension of the project and an additional grant are planned, and negotiations are underway to attract other donors. However, the size of the proposed grant has not been identified, the extension request requires approval by the A.I.D. Administrator, and the timing of other donor funding commitments is unknown. The Mission cannot determine whether the School is meeting its funding commitment since neither the Mission nor the School have tracked cash and in-kind contributions. Moreover, accounting and control procedures do not ensure accountability. Financial reports are inaccurate and unreliable, some disbursements are not project-related, expenses have not been adequately verified, and reimbursement requests have been long delayed.