Central Tunisia rural development program; USAID position paper

Response focuses on the capabilities of the Central Tunisian Development Agency (CTDA), a newly created regional planning entity which plays a central role in implementing and coordinating project activities. CTDA acknowledges the problems - most of which relate to managerial inefficiency - identified by the evaluators. The problems stem largely from lack of clarity regarding CTDA"s role; A.I.D."s failure to provide CTDA with effective technical assistance (TA) and training; and a lack of qualified, experienced technicians and managers in Central Tunisia. Because CTDA has been in existence less than 2 years, it should not be judged too harshly. CTDA"s role as project coordinator has been made difficult by a climate in which other agencies have been accustomed to proceeding on their own. Its record as an implementor has been spotty; nonetheless, CTDA has had a number of accomplishments. Importantly, CTDA has become an excellent advocate for Central Tunisia as well as a public symbol of U.S. support there. If CTDA"s role is reduced the project will suffer. Permitting the agency to resolve its problems, on the other hand, would support the project goal of decentralized development planning in Central Tunisia. The Ministries of Agriculture and of Plan and Finance have agreed to cooperate with internal CTDA reform; in fact the former Ministry recently expanded CTDA authority. Moreover, communication between CTDA and the Mission has improved substantially. To strengthen CTDA, it is proposed that: (1) a resident advisor and three additional staff members be hired for the planning unit; (2) CTDA employees be provided with liberal incentives in order to attract qualified personnel; (3) a short-term U.S. management expert be contracted to outline CTDA training and TA needs; and (4) increased and broadened TA and training be provided. CTDA has affirmed its intentions to hire a deputy director and to improve staff communication and morale. It has already recruited additional technical personnel, produced an organizational chart, and budgeted for a new administrative unit.