Evaluation of lesotho agricultural sector analysis project

This special evaluation, which is attached to a PES (PD-AAG-091-B1), covers the period 9/1/76-2/1/80 and is based on interviews with project personnel. The project is progressing well, as follows: (1) Training targets have generally been achieved. Eight students will have completed B.S. or M.S. level U.S. training by 8/80, and 24 have attended formal in-country courses in agricultural production economics and applied statistics. A tutorial program was offered for students scheduled for U.S. training (a highly commendable practice). On-the-job training, however, was very limited. (2) The project team produced over 40 research papers on agricultural development in Lesotho, including work in all targeted areas (land and water conservation, manpower, livestock, marketing, and crop production and risk management); another 15 reports are near completion. Agricultural field studies were undertaken, existing data analyzed, and an agri-planning library established. The Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA) planning unit was upgraded to a Divisional level and its staff increased by seven. (4) As planned, a long-term relationship has been established between MOA and Colorado State University. It is recommended that the agreement termination date be extended for one year and that additional USAID assistance be based on plans developed with the MOA and the Ministry of Finance. Lessons learned included the following: (1) A realistic plan for counterpart personnel is vital. (2) Host governments must honor their commitments to contribute project personnel. (3) USAID should document potential implementation differences between major project participants. (4) Workplans agreed upon by all project participants should be developed for specific time periods and progress should be reviewed regularly. (5) Key terms should be precisely defined. (6) In projects with training programs, assignments for graduating trainees should be agreed on with host governments as a condition of scholarship acceptance.