Evaluation of Agricultural Development Council OPG - training Nepalese in agricultural research and development planning

Special evaluation covers the period 9/76-2/82 and is based on site visits, document review, and interviews with USAID/N, HMG, and other project personnel. Due in large part to the Agricultural Development Council's (the implementor) established organization in Asia and America, the project has successfully met its objectives and operated cost-effectively. Training provided to staff of the Agricultural Projects Service Center (APSC) and other MOA agencies has included: Ph.D. training in the United States for 2 candidates (vs. 3 targeted) and Master's training in Asia and Australia for 33 (vs. 16) 20 of whom have returned to Nepal - 19 have rejoined their original agencies (many in jobs requiring research skills); and 101.5 person-months (vs. 60) of short-term training in and out of Nepal for 106 personnel (25% women). The latter was most successful when focused on immediately useful skills. Other project achievements have included: sending 11 Nepalis to seminars/conferences outside Nepal; organizing 7 major seminars in Nepal (some linking senior planning officials with young trained social scientists to produce papers) and several 2-hour seminars given by visiting and local scholars; conducting 9 research studies in Nepal (research is already having a positive impact on planning); and publishing 35 high-quality research studies, seminar reports, and Master's thesis summaries. The MOA has been provided with 10 person-years of TA, 2 mini-computers, and other equipment. However, no ongoing program of social science research has yet been implemented by the MOA within the APSC, due to a lack of funding from HMG. Although scholarly, MOA research publications have lacked executive summaries and sections on policy implications. Also, only 8 of the returning graduates have been given higher level jobs, 11 have been reinstated at the same level; there is concern that low pay and lack of advancement may lead to job dissatisfaction. Eight recommendations are given.