Evaluation of Gambian agricultural research and diversification

External evaluation covers the period 11/85-1/89. Overall, the project has significantly increased the quality, quantity, and relevance of agricultural research in The Gambia. The review process for selecting and designing research projects has been strengthened. A substantial number of research personnel have received short-term training, either in The Gambia or abroad, and a number are currently in long-term training overseas. In addition, computer training and access have improved the timeliness, quality, and reporting of analyses. A program budgeting system has been installed in the research service and is helping to improve project design and financial management. The project has also initiated pilot promotional activities for rice and cowpeas in collaboration with the extension sevices and nongovernmental organizations; Save the Children has received a grant to promote improved production/varieties of rice and millet. On the negative side, many government personnel and agricultural development workers still feel that the research service's activities are largely irrelevant to current development needs, and in particular to the constraints facing Gambian farmers. Partly for this reason, and partly because of the conditions of service, researcher morale is low and a number of qualified personnel have resigned. It is recommended that major farming constraints be identified as part of the policy/priorities statement to be prepared by the Directorate of Agricultural Research and that programs be developed to resolve them. Improvements also need to be made in research implementation, financial management, and research linkages with extension, PVO's, and other development projects.