CRS East Timor agricultural development project

Evaluation covered the period 9/81-11/87. The project has made considerable progress toward its objective of controlling wild grass and enabling farmers to return to their traditional method of land preparation, trampling by cattle. If enough cattle continue to be brought into project sites and rice is cultivated at least once a year, trampling will once again be a realistic method of controlling the wild grass. Over the next 5 years, subsidies for land preparation will be reduced, as will the need for tractors to control the grasses. Farmers are now growing secondary crops during the dry season, but improved inputs and irrigation are still needed to make this venture successful. In all, the project has benefited about 10,000 people, nearly a quarter of the project area"s population. However, farmers with dry land fields and women have not been made a part of project activities. There also remains a need to improve water users" associations and farmers" groups, and to resolve land registration issues. Project management is now being turned over to the local ETADEP Foundation, whose staff are committed and competent, but need further training in project implementation and design. In addition, the Foundation will be dependent on USAID/I for financial support until it establishes a network of other donors. In agriculture, the evaluation team recommends improved water control and inputs, the encouragement of secondary crops and agroforestry, the introduction of sound farming practices in lowland dry fields, and an integrated, diversified agricultural strategy. In community development, they suggest extending project coverage for farmers" groups and women, and exploring the possibilities for moving into health and nutrition. They also recommend TA and training for ETADEP, assistance from CRS during the transition to ETADEP control, and continued funding from USAID/I so ETADEP can achieve the project"s aims. See also the abstract of PD-AAW-918. (Author abstract, modified)