BOTSWANA AGRICULTURAL PLANNING PROJECT

This special AID/W evaluation, time frame for which is not specified, is attached to a PES (PD-AAG-634-C1) and is based on document review and interviews with project staff. Overall project design is good and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has displayed superb leadership and provided competent replacements to DPS participant trainees, although some positions remain unfilled. Training has progressed well, with 29 DPS staff members undergoing or selected for U.S. graduate degree training; one conducting thesis research in Botswana; and one attending a short USDA planning course in Tanzania. Eight remedial training courses were held prior to U.S training. Indigenization of DPS staff is proceeding well, with the Senior Agricultural Economist already placed, although lack of role definition may lead to power struggles. To help counterparts adjust to their positions, departure dates of expatriates should be flexible. Two upgraded data collection systems -- livestock/crop and farm management surveys -- provide a good base for quantitative analysis of Botswana's agriculture. Nonetheless, DPS does not have a unified sector plan, but uses a fragmented project-specific approach. Although its Rural Sociology Unit has contributed to agricultural policy formulation by producing 64 reports, it is not instrumental in project planning. DPS also spends excessive time monitoring development fund expenditures and arranging financial reviews of projects. DPS produces such publications as the National Development Plan which attempts (unsuccessfully) to illustrate an analytical basis for sectorwide programming. It is recommended that DPS exercise sector- vs. project-specific planning; transfer financial monitoring to the Finance Office; outline and prioritize staff functions; conduct regular seminars to summarize project activities; and report the status of agricultural project proposals to district officials. Unexpended funds should be transferred to the training component.