Caribbean confederation of credit unions regional development project : second evaluation report

Second special evaluation covers the period 3/82-1/84 and is based on document review, site visits, and discussions with USAID, CU National Association, and league personnel. The CCCU has achieved most institutional development objectives; membership growth has exceeded targets, and annual savings per member has nearly doubled. Virtually all CCCU financial management systems have been documented and implemented, and an operating budget, an information system, and a 5-year plan are being developed. Emphasis is now on developing asset management capabilities. The CCCU has established its credibility with governments and leagues but lacks a clear public image, especially at the CU level. CCCU has provided leagues with 5 manuals, standard operating forms and technical papers, and 5,000 reprints of CU information booklets for distribution. Leagues, however, lack the capabilities to market CCCU products, which are often seen as too sophisticated and not relevant to participating territories. CCCU has completed institutional analyses of 13 leagues, all 15 leagues have received increased TA for CU management and planning, and a Caribbean exchange program has been developed. CCCU training services have been highly rated, although more emphasis is needed for on-the-job training and the training of trainers, and staff retention has been a problem. Some leagues have made financial progress, but only 5 will be financially self-sufficient by project end and guidelines for financial structures have yet to be developed. There has been widespread demand for additional capital to complement CU funds and develop a regional CU finance system, but many CU's do not meet investment standards, and criteria linking external funds to internal capitalization need to be developed. In other areas, the country development program has initiated its new "partners" approach and improved its monitoring system and CU management capabilities; a CU needs identification study for Dominica has been completed; and standardized audit and meeting procedures are being developed (only 3 leagues were unable to complete 1981 audits).