Development management in Africa : the case of the Bakel small irrigated perimeters project in Senegal

The management strategy was to build on the efforts begun by farmers to install small irrigated perimeters. The project worked with the National Society for the Development and Exploitation of the Senegal and Faleme River Basins (SAED) to supply inputs and extension services to farmers who supplied labor to develop small irrigated perimeters. Although the project met only 50% of its quantitative targets, its accomplishments are important because of farmer acceptance of irrigation technologies, increasing farmer participation in the project, and flexible SAED management. The major findings of this evaluation are that project accomplishments were possible because of concomitant policy changes by the Government of Senegal and SAED and that success was enhanced by the openness and outward orientation of the people of Bakel and by SAED's willingness to let farmers organize and administer irrigated perimeters on their own terms. Several key lessons were learned. (1) Projects should carefully assess socioeconomic characteristics of target populations at the design stage. (2) An effective project management strategy is one that fosters local participation in management decisions and permits local organizations to build on indigenous structures and practices. Allowing the organization to choose its own officers and management style, for example, fosters organizational and hence project sustainability. (3) Appropriate government policy changes may be necessary to permit community participation in project decisionmaking. (4) If host country staff is adequately trained, a loose management style by donors can be effective management, fostering a sense of ownership of the project among the staff. (5) A strategy fostering beneficiary participation requires concomitant and comprehensive training. In addition, appropriate training for mid- and upper-level managers can have significant impact on the project, particularly when reinforced by needed policy changes. (Author abstract, modified)