Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) : evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 4/82-4/85 and is based on document review, a site visit, and interviews with ESAMI staff and with beneficiaries. ESAMI has made considerable progress in attaining project objectives. In 1983, ESAMI conducted an assessment of management training needs in 15 countries, which resulted in significant networking with national and other regional management training institutions, culminating in ESAMI's 1984 Working Conference. Further steps in formalizing regional linkages included the founding of the Association of Management Training Institutions in Eastern and Southern Africa (AMTIESA) to promote collaboration between national and regional training institutions. Linkages have also been formed with Indian institutions. These activities have led to revisions and expansion of ESAMI's training program. In 1984, ESAMI offered about 48 courses (either on-site or at client organizations) attended by more than 1,800 mid- to top-level managers in government and industry. ESAMI also offers consultancy services aimed at clients' specific management problems. Much less progress has been made in the development of case studies because of difficulties in recruiting long-term advisors and a lack of available ESAMI staff time, constraints which should have been recognized in designing the project. Nine staff members have initiated case studies however, and a new approach being considered by ESAMI - in which short-term specialists will present a series of case study workshops - should enable completion of 9-13 studies. Also lagging is the formation of U.S. linkages in the area of agricultural management training. Because of its high employment standards, ESAMI delayed recruitment of two agricultural management specialists for 2 years. However, a course in agricultural policy analysis and formulation was developed with USDA assistance, and will be offered for the second time in 1985, following a related seminar for senior national officials. Recommendations address the problems noted above and stress the need for more supportive project management by A.I.D.