CTTA : Honduras pilot project institutionalization study

The evaluation covers activities in Comayagua, Honduras, during the period 2/87-12/88. The project introduced significant changes in Comayagua. Previously, extension activities were planned vertically, emphasized the farm and not the farmer, were concerned with physical outputs rather than learning objectives, and were based essentially on personal interaction with farmers. The project increased community and farmer participation in defining extension needs; it introduced the use of flyers, newsletters, and agricultural surveys and diagnoses; and it increased emphasis on farmer training. The project also helped extension agencies to redefine their geographical priorities; as a result, new communities of basic grains producers are being served. The project had an influence on research activities, including the development of a research agenda for some agencies. It also helped research and extension programs in the pilot region to identify and disseminate technological options. Institutionalization accomplishments are most obvious at the agency and regional levels, where support for the project is strong. National-level impact is also evident in that the project's approach was adopted as the national service delivery methodology. The project's success is largely due to strong commitment by the regional extension director in Comayagua. Thus, future support may depend on the agenda of his replacement. Another strength of the project has been its additive approach, whereby a few core changes were first introduced followed by larger and more comprehensive modifications. Although project activities are being expanded to new regions, much remains to be accomplished to ensure that the new methodology is universally adopted and correctly and continually applied.