Evaluation of CIRES (Centre Ivorien de Recherche Economique et Sociale)

Final evaluation covers the period 1/76-1/81; no methodology is stated. Effective and capable leaders, a strong internal commitment to institutional development, and the ability to obtain increased Ivorian Government and donor support (e.g., from the Ford Foundation and the Governments of Canada and France) have all contributed to CIRES" becoming the leading agricultural economics research institute in French-speaking Africa. In addition, CIRES possesses substantial expertise in savannah farming, livestocks economics, trade in French-speaking Africa, and money and banking. Students returning from advanced U.S. studies in l985 will triple the number of researchers (currently l6) and add expertise in demography, industrial economics, management, education, and cooperatives. CIRES has also participated in numerous conferences; produced several publications; developed an adequate French and English library; and -- by stressing interdisciplinary, applied research -- had a positive impact on the University"s Department of Economics. On the other hand, CIRES has been slow--l0 years--to reach this plateau and remains remote from the national decisionmaking process. The research staff, while motivated, includes few women and has limited professional experience; the library staff is inadequate and the quality of publications inconsistent. It is recommended that CIRES: (l) secure funds for training in subjects in which it is weak (e.g., economic planning, land tenure); (2) work to increase its role in national decisionmaking; (3) locate a qualified librarian; (4) ensure that research trainees return to CIRES and that some become part-time teachers (e.g., in economics at the University); and (5) seek added U.S. and foreign donor funding. A.I.D., in turn, should promote CIRES"s participation in conferences, project evaluations, and professional exchanges, and provide a follow-up grant to support CIRES as a Regional University Center.