Evaluation of assistance fund impact on rural income generating groups

Internal LDTC evaluation covers the period 9/83-1/85 and is based on document review, interviews with members of five groups, and performance tests (of four groups) in AF training areas - bookkeeping, group functioning, and program planning. Ten groups are being assisted by LDTC - eight income-generating groups and two training centers - and assistance to another ten groups is currently in process of approval. While individual group members have found LDTC training useful and have learned new concepts, actual income-generating practices have lagged behind. Members of three of the four test groups performed well on the tests and attempted to transfer LDTC training to other functions - at home, in other groups, and on the job. Still, with few exceptions, the members responsible for financial recordkeeping do not keep the books accurately, make them available to others in the group, or report regularly to the group as a whole. Also, there is little evidence that members use their training to advance group activities. It is concluded that by focusing on income management and group dynamics, LDTC training does not address group concerns as to technical skill development, market identification, and profitmaking. As a result of this evaluation a new training model, which will focus on training of group leaders and extension workers rather than all group members, is being proposed to lower costs and reach more rural groups. Four action recommendations for AF planners are: (1) formulate specific objectives for the AF; (2) review training modules for appropriateness and amount of time required; (3) document group practices in bookkeeping, group work, and program planning; and (4) distribute materials that will complement distance education. Other recommendations are made regarding AF training, the distance education component of that training, and evaluation of future AF groups.