Evaluation of Cape Verde food crops research project (655-0011)

External evaluation covers the period 1982-7/85 and is based on document review and site visits. Two years before its scheduled 1987 termination, the project is successfully establishing a cadre of trained ICR personnel and is providing consultants to initiate preliminary ICR food crop research using the farming systems research model. Six ICR staff members (1 less than planned) are abroad earning M.S. degrees in irrigation, engineering, field and vegetable crop agronomy, plant breeding, and other related fields; two others are scheduled to earn Ph.D.'s in soil and crop science in 1986. The proposed ICR information and communication center is nearing completion, and 4 homes (2 more than planned) are being built for ICR staff housing. The project is also providing ICR with laboratory equipment and vehicles and is working with the ICR to formalize agricultural research and to survey and evaluate Cape Verdean irrigation practices, pest management, farm structures, and crop varieties and pests. It is recommended that, in order to enhance its effectiveness and sustainability, the project: (1) develop a clearer strategy based on prioritizing Cape Verde's specific agricultural research and education needs; (2) consolidate the project's fundamental and applied research components into a single unit and develop an infrastructure with close linkages among research, teaching, and extension; (4) increase adaptive and action oriented research; (5) continue to give priority to developing research capabilities through staff training; (6) develop a close counterpart relationship between U.S. and Cape Verdean technicians and scientists; (7) present research results via annual or biannual workshops and a publication; and (8) establish and promote appropriate linkages between Cape Verde and ecologically similar areas of the world.