Evaluation of BPI (MAF - IRRI) small farm machinery industrial extension program

Special evaluation covers the period 11/80-10/84 and is based on site visits and interviews with project personnel, equipment producers, and users. Although the project lagged at first, significant progress has been made in the past year; the project's benefits have definitely outweighed its costs. Despite inadequate staff, budget, design expertise, and shop facilities, the Government of the Philippines (GOP) Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has developed several equipment designs (i.e., a seed and fertilizer applicator, heated floor dryer, root crop chipper, manual corn sheller, and combination rice thresher/corn sheller) independently of the International Rice Research Institute, its co-implementor. On-farm tests have been conducted for 21 types of equipment. Project TA, training, and blueprints have been provided to over 200 manufacturers (mostly small rural enterprises) who are now producing or adapting equipment. Communication has been strengthened among manufacturers, GOP agencies concerned with farm machinery, equipment designers and developers, and farmer users. However, several issues merit concern: BPI farm machinery activities are not well integrated with other MAF R&D and extension efforts; small manufacturers need management as well as engineering assistance; and the BPI project co-leader has not been adequately involved in budgeting. Although a substantial expansion of the BPI project is not necessary to meet the equipment requirements for short-term agricultural growth, continued support for the project is needed to sustain its momentum during the current GOP budget crisis and to meet long-term farm machinery development needs resulting from the GOP's policy of accelerated agricultural development and its promotion of new crops. Short-term efforts should focus on developing postharvest machinery for the new priority crops. A 2-year project extension with no additional funding is recommended.