Cidera school OPG

PES covers the period 9/79-3/82 and is based on an attached final evaluation (XD-AAN-304-A) by the OPG grantee, Catholic Relief Services. All project components other than demonstration of the solar oven were successfully completed. Necessary equipment, commodities, facilities, and staff were provided. Farm profits were increased, solar heating was installed and used, and infant malnutrition was significantly reduced. After much experimentation with locally manufactured mirrors for use in solar ovens, a decision was made to import the mirrors, thereby making prospects for achieving this project component relatively good. An unplanned effect of the solar oven activity was the high interest and activity level on the part of Ministry of Energy and other research institutions" technicians in learning this appropriate technology. Another unplanned effect was the erosion control induced by use of the sprinkler irrigation system in the gardens. A major factor contributing to project success was the high motivation of CIDERA staff; farm production and efficiency decreased after transfer of the project to the Ministry of Agriculture. It was also learned that the technical skill of project managers is important to successful project implementation. An action decision is made to evaluate the solar oven component of the project.