BRRI/IRRI project evaluation

Mid-term evaluation covers the period 1/88-12/91. USAID support of BRRI began in 1981. At this point in its development, BRRI, which was established in 1973, is a mature institution with some 210 research officers; about 60% hold M.Sc. degrees and 14% hold Ph.D.'s. BRRI scientists have made it possible for Bangladesh to become almost self-sufficient in rice production over the past 20 years despite rapid population growth. However, BRRI management needs improvement in a number of areas: the Institute has been unable to expand the responsibilities of its mid-level scientists; its task force approach to research management should be updated; regional stations do not have the necessary personnel; infrastructure development is inadequate; and laboratory facilities for testing soil pH or salinity are lacking. Donor representatives are not always up-to-date on project or BRRI research activities. Support of BRRI at the national level has been weak. Insufficient government funding of operational research costs (only about one-fourth of the World Bank standard) is a serious constraint. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council has weak management capabilities and does not coordinate closely with member research institutes in developing strategic planning documents. Disbursement of research operating funds through the Council is slow and not based on targeted performance indicators. Salaries and benefits for scientists are unsatisfactory -- a major factor in the recent increase in staff departures from BRRI. BRRI progress in varietal development research is impressive. Since inception, BRRI has released 26 new rice varieties. The marginal internal rate of return on rice research investment is about 165%. The process for licensing approved rice varieties through the National Seed Board is cumbersome and delays distribution of certified seed to farmers. Although there has been an apparent decline in yield of modern varieties since 1970, this is most likely due to expanded use of the varieties in less favorable areas by farmers unable to afford input application. Major increases in boro (dry winter season) yield could be obtained through irrigation. The BRRI farming systems research division pioneered site-oriented systems research in Bangladesh. The BRRI methodology develops technology packages at a relatively low cost that reflect on-farm research conducted over a wide geographic area. However, since the early 1980's, donor-supported research activities have moved beyond BRRI's traditional crop-based FSR to include technology transfer. The expanded programs require expensive infrastructure and permanent site-specific professional staffing, and have made research activities more tenuous and confusing. Additional weaknesses in BRRI research include: lack of economic and financial analysis to assess commercial viability of whole farm systems and lack of on-farm testing of improved postharvest rice technologies targeted toward women. Technology transfer activities need to be improved, as evidenced by the major gap between technology available and that adopted by farmers. This can be achieved by integrating the functions of BRRI and private sector outreach organizations.