Evaluation of CLUSA"s program development OPG and the "India Model"

Special evaluation covers the period 1978-3/81 and is based on site visits and document review. The project produced positive results and developed a replicable co-op assistance model. The Cooperative League of the United States of America (CLUSA) developed six projects, the most important of which was the the enormous Oilseeds Growers Co-op Project (OGCP), a product of extensive CLUSA involvement. The projects were funded by USAID/I and other donors (e.g., UNICEF) and were in such areas as oilseeds management and milk grid computerization. However, much responsibility rested with India"s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the co-op involved in five of the projects; four were already being developed; CLUSA"s role was, in some cases, peripheral; and project size varied greatly. Three other projects are being planned; 10 initiatives were abandoned as infeasible. The CLUSA representative"s performance was mixed -- he devoted too much attention to the OGCP, neglecting problems in the Oilseeds Management Project, and his reporting on grant progress was inadequate. However, he did initiate contacts with 17 Indian and 26 foreign co-ops or organizations, attended various local co-op sponsored events, and oversaw professional exchanges between U.S. and Indian co-ops. The "India model", characterized by an independent, long-term CLUSA commitment to providing expert assistance to Indian co-ops, was judged a success. Nonetheless, CLUSA"s ability to assist a wide spectrum of Indian co-ops, use U.S. co-ops" expertise, and maintain its autonomy vis-a-vis the Indian Government and USAID/I have yet to be clearly demonstrated. It is recommended that: (1) the grant be renewed for 3 years; (2) more detailed evaluation criteria be prepared; (3) CLUSA"s pre-project and project implementation assistance roles be carefully delineated, with emphasis on the former, half of which should be given to co-ops other than the NDDB; (5) the CLUSA Representative provide more detailed and useable information on each project; and (6) CLUSA reassess staff requirements and focus the duties of the representative more explicitly.