CARE Gituza forestry

The evaluation covered the period 4/85-4/86 and was based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project personnel. The project has accomplished a great deal in a relatively short period of time - due mostly to excellent management by CARE and to the OAR/Rwanda"s substantial involvement in this OPG. (1) The reforestation program is basically sound, but should focus on soil and watershed management and not strictly on communal forest replantation. Also, as the original projections of available land were inaccurate, plantings should be limited to about 2,000 ha. (2) The agroforestry component has made considerable progress. Sectoral nurseries are well-stocked with various species and each includes a small demonstration plot. Agroforestry extension monitors (monifors) receive effective, intensive training in agroforestry and courses are offered to citizens as well. However, training should be upgraded regarding tree care/survival and more women should be identified as candidates for the extension service. A needs assessment survey was well designed and administered; no further baseline data are needed. Analysis of the data has been weak, however. Reporting and monitoring systems are good; nevertheless, monifors require additional training to enable them to keep track of clients. (3) The energy conservation program, designed for application in the Kibondo refugee camp, is now - following departure of the refugees - operating more widely in Gituza Commune. The project is helping a local entrepreneur to produce improved institutional and household cookstoves to see if a private enterprise format can be profitable. Specific recommendations (most of which have been accepted by OAR/R) are presented for each of the three activity areas and for project management. Of primary concern is increasing GOR involvement which has been considerably less than planned. Action decisions are, inter alia, to: (1) amend the OPG to reflect recommended changes in goals and activities; (2) review CARE"s action plan (which includes a program of commercializing nurseries, an amended logframe and budget, and a plan for privatizing stove production) and decide whether or not to extend the OPG; (3) consider redistributing more of the benefits of Gituza reforestation activities to the Commune; (4) complete analysis of data collected in the baseline survey; and (5) secure funds to provide B.S. level training for the assistant project manager.