CATIE component of the fuelwood and alternative energy sources project (596-0089) : final evaluation

Evaluation covers the period through 12/85. CATIE has been firmly established as a regional center for information on and seeds for fast-growing tree species, particularly those of importance for fuelwood. The SP has met or exceeded most of its quantifiable objectives in such areas as studies, on-farm trials, demonstrations, training, and technical publications. It has also established a good management structure and exceptional leadership. Finally, and most importantly, it has managed to involve high-quality staff at every level, including well-trained country coordinators. On the other hand, objectives not achieved include: (1) a fully functioning database on all phases of fuelwood production, including ecological, agronomic, social acceptance, and economic considerations; (2) first-year baseline and final-year assessments of national and CATIE capacities in fuelwood research and demonstration; and (3) incorporation into CATIE core staff of at least one of the project"s international specialists. On a larger scale, there are few indications that the notion of self-sustaining fuelwood research activities is viable. CATIE, even more than national agencies, remains almost completely dependent on project funds for its personnel, material, and other inputs. The only indications of sustainability are at the national level where local agencies have put a large number of staff to work on project activities but adequate funding is also a constraint at this level. Overall, the transition from the SP to the TCP has been extremely smooth and many of the shortcomings of the first are being or can be addressed in the latter, although the exact purpose of the TCP needs to more sharply focused. Because CATIE-based SP staff were unable to spend sufficient time in the field, the TCP project coordinator should immediately review staff job descriptions. Also, socioeconomic research should be broadened to focus on four areas: production and investment analyses; incentive mechanisms; a socioeconomic database; and traditional rural wood industry opportunities. Work on the fuelwood database, field demonstrations, and training of national staff should continue, and more emphasis should be placed on extension of existing and new technical packages to agents and farmers. Finally, the project should better document its activities and coordinate them with the ROCAP regional forestry advisor.