Chad reforestation project; midpoint evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 7/76-4/78 and is based on document review; field visits; and interviews with CARE, Peace Corps, USAID/C, and other project personnel, and participating farmers. The project is an outstanding success in terms of progress toward achieving outputs and is in fact ahead of schedule in all areas except live fencing. This is in part due to farmers' unfamiliarity with the concept of live fencing and is not a great problem since the available species has not proven completely satisfactory. Output levels attained thus far include: 350,500 acacia trees versus a planned total of 350,000 planted on 2,000 ha, with 178,000 surviving; 45,000 of a planned 122,500 m of Commiphora tree fencing planted; 63,000 trees planted (52,500 still living) as windbreaks and for firewood; and nine nurseries established. A field manual and a series of films have also been prepared. Now that targets have been achieved, more attention should be given to increasing the survival rate and protection of the trees. Approximately 3,000 farmers versus an expected 1,850 are participating in the project. Virtually all have received some P.L. 480 and CARE foodstuffs, and some have also been provided tools. However, these "incentives" have not been given in such a way as to encourage cooperation and performance, indicating a need to revise the food for work system. Among the technical issues addressed by the evaluators were the durability of the plastic pots and bags in which the nurseries plant the trees; the advantages of seed planting over stock planting; the trees' impact on the water table; the possibility of using vegetatitive reproduction of acacia; methods of rainwater harvesting; tree growth rates; choice of species for live fencing; and damage from elephants and caterpillars. A series of 20 recommendations are made for improving the project regarding the types and numbers of trees still to be planted, planting techniques, development of educational materials, and improved communication among project personnel.