Audit of USAID/Mali"s semi-arid tropics crops research project -- phase II, project no. 688-0226

The project achieved its four major objectives: (1) developing improved varieties of sorghum and millet; (2) establishing agronomic practices suited to semi-arid conditions; (3) strengthening Government of Mali"s (GOM) research capabilities; and (4) developing technical packages and making them available to Malian farmers. The expansion of the GOM"s agricultural research capability relating to training and infrastructure was particularly impressive. Under the project"s participant training program, 11 Malians received graduate degrees, while 60 others participated in an 8-month technical program. Under the infrastructure development program, a well-managed Malian research facility has been created at the Cinzana Research Station near Bamako. Construction and equipment costs totaling $331,184 were questioned because of a lack of supporting documents. In addition, travel costs of $66,996 were questioned because of noncompliance by ICRISAT with A.I.D. travel regulations. Finally, controls over project commodities and equipment were deficient, resulting in inaccurate and unreliable inventory records. (Author abstract)