Equatorial Guinea agricultural development, 6/82

PES covers the period 12/80-6/82 and is based on site visits, document review, and interviews with farmers, co-op workers, government officials, and USAID/Cameroon staff. The project provided 32 cocoa, coffee, and horticultural co-ops with credit to purchase 14 trucks and 9 pick-ups. The trucks are used to transport crops (many of which formerly rotted in fields) to the co-ops for processing and thence to the markets; they are also used to transport co-op workers. It appears the trucks have been a major factor in Equatorial Guinea"s recent large increase in cocoa production. Unfortunately, the trucks" actual impact on production cannot be measured since the project design failed to provide for data collection. To address recurrent problems with vehicle maintenance, a one-month training course for drivers and mechanics was held. While the course significantly improved the co-ops" capacity to maintain the trucks, co-op members have requested that an improved maintenance capacity be institutionalized. In addition, three of the trucks were not working because they lacked spare parts, for which there is no ready supply in Equatorial Guinea. A second project component, to develop a Poultry Production Center (PPC) and train small poultry producers, was not evaluated because it is far behind schedule due to serious foreign exchange constraints and problems with sea transport. Only recently was clearance to purchase chicken feed obtained. However, the poultry advisor is on board, all the equipment except incubators has been received, building modifications have begun, and 500 chicks are being raised. Action decisions are to: (1) collect data on co-op production so the vehicles" impact can be measured; (2) train more Guineans as mechanics and teach drivers preventive maintenance, routine repairs, and better driving habits; and (3) establish a reliable supply of spare parts. Relative to the PPC, it is recommended that its manager be trained and assisted to set up an accounting system, revenue generated from PPC sales be classified as a counterpart fund, and data be collected on the PPC"s impact on small farmers.