Evaluation of Honduras agricultural research project

Special evaluation covers the period 10/82-3/84 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with research and extension staff, officials of implementing organizations, and beneficiaries. CID/NMSU has initiated entomological research and extension, on-farm weed control testing, and studies and training in soil fertility. Several activities in these and other areas have been done - as required by a 1983 USAID change in the Plan of Work - in cooperation with the Regional University Center for the Atlantic Coast (CURLA), sometimes to the neglect of the DIA program. Little economic research has been accomplished as the NMSU economist has devoted most of his time to installing a microcomputer system at CURLA, other CURLA-related work, and administrative chores. A 6-month contract extension has been proposed. Some of the problems encountered by CID/NMSU originated earlier in the project, but six contract-specific problems have also arisen: (1) ongoing problems caused by design flaws (e.g., planning an FSR support effort to last only 18-24 months) and by confusion about the project"s organizational placement, the latter contributing to a feeling among Hondurans that the project is not part of the MRN; (2) three changes in the scope of work, initiated by USAID or DIA; (3) lack of host government financial commitment and funding uncertainties affecting training and the proposed contract extension; (4) arguments concerning divergent definitions of "farming systems research" and "on farm research," and concerning the extent of leadership NMSU advisors should provide; (5) lack of coordination among USAID"s various agricultural projects; (6) quarterly project reports from NMSU which have been delayed, fragmented, and a source of dissatisfaction to the MRN because they seem to identify the project as solely a CID/NMSU endeavor. Recommendations address these issues as well as specific FSR needs.