BOTSWANA CROP PRODUCTION

This special evaluation covers the period 8/1/76 to 2/29/80 and was based on a review of project files, site visits and interviews with project personnel. Progress in each of the project"s three main components is as follows: Institution of a Crop Division (CD) within the Government of Botswana (GOB) did not take place due in part to start-up delays. Accomplishment of this institution-building target now seems impossible. A GOB task-force prepared long-range development plans for crop production that did not include a CD. It is recommended that this latter initiative be supported, and that USAID and the GOB develop a program for the Country Program Officer and a participant training program for the remainder of the project. The crop research component has been successful. When screening trials showed that few of the crop varieties introduced had the yield potential or adaptability of local varieties, a breeding program was introduced to incorporate the desirable characteristics of introduced varieties into those locally produced. Since the GOB lacks the skilled manpower to continue this program, funding from the USAID Agricultural Research Project for one or two breeders should be considered. Component to increase the warehouse storage space of the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) is progressing slowly, but adequately. Five 1,000 metric-ton grain warehouses have been built and are operating with reasonable efficiency. Six more 1,000 metric-ton, strategically located warehouses will be completed by 9/80. Additional U.S. or third-country training in grain storage operations and agricultural technology is recommended for BAMB personnel. It also recommended that the GOB submit a reimbursement request (using Fixed Amount Reimbursement Procedures) for completed construction and periodic statements of local currency support; and that the final contribution date of the project be extended and $9,000 deobligated by amending Project Grant Agreement. Evaluation is attached to project PES (PD-AAG-101-B1).