Evaluation of resources for awareness of population impact on development (rapid) project

Evaluation covers the period l/75-2/80 and is based on document review and interviews with A.I.D. and contractor, the Futures Group (FG), personnel. While the project has promoted among LDC policymakers an initial awareness of population growth"s impact on socioeconomic development, it is unlikely that the goal of integrating this knowledge into LDC government and A.I.D. development planning will be achieved directly and solely as a result of this project. However, this is not to belittle the project"s value. Thus far, 20 LDC"s have expressed interest in the RAPID computer simulation model, and another 10-15 presentations are planned. Regarding project implementation, the FG has largely overcome the difficulties it faced in the first 2 years (e.g., staff turnover and poor subcontractor performance). Given this situation and the project"s mandate to reach 35 LDC"s, additional funds and a 2-year extension of both the project and the FG contract are required. It is further recommended that: (1) presentations of the RAPID model before the U.S. Government, LDC officials, and international agencies (e.g., the World Bank) be increased and additional FG staff be trained to make presentations; (2) the potential LDC demand for RAPID presentations be anticipated and preliminary analyses prepared for 20 priority countries; (3) FG staff responsible for follow-up activities make at least one preliminary fact-finding visit to each participating LDC and meet with host country counterparts; (4) A.I.D. reexamine restrictions on and prepare guidelines for presentations in LDC"s having a limited or no A.I.D. Mission; (5) all Missions receive the interactive computer system used for the RAPID model and be assured of its adeaute maintenance and of appropriate training of U.S. and local staffs; (6) the FG update macro-files and provide sectoral analyses to LDC- and U.S.-based service units; and (7) the printed handout supplied at presentations be updated.