AUDIT REPORT ON REVIEW OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECTOR USAID/NEPAL AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1978

Evaluation covers the period from the inception of each project through 9/30/78 and is based on standard audit procedures. Audit contains evaluations of projects 3670102, 3670114, 4980251, 9310209, and 9310234. Present evaluation concerns the Agricultural Sector Implementation Project (ASIP), designed to establish and institutionalize a training program in Nepal and Egypt. The Governmental Affairs Institute (GAI) of Washington, D.C. was contracted to create a self-sustaining system for training agricultural managers. A letter agreement between the Government of Nepal (GON) and USAID/N detailing areas of GAI assistance called for training a staff of Nepalese instructors to provide a training program in project formulation, management, and implementation for the agricultural sector. According to this agreement, USAID/N will provide liaison support and advice and will participate in periodic evaluations. Project progress has been good, and the GON has provided additional financial support to GAI following the completion of the present contract. Shortly after arriving in-country, a 2-member GAI team established a training division in the Agricultural Projects Services Center, and eight selected instructors have been exposed to ASIP training techniques. In response to reporting requirements, monthly newsletters have been prepared describing general activities -- ASIP training courses held, list of attendees, preparation for future training sessions, etc. The first formal annual progress report, due shortly, will disseminate this information in an analytical form, assessing the project"s impact on Nepal"s agricultural and rural developmental efforts. Participants will include representatives from USAID/N, GAI headquarters, and the GON.