AMERICAN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CORP. (ATAC)
Evaluates progress of the agricultural manpower project, a joint effort of USAID and the Govt of Tanzania, Ministry of Agriculture, which includes a technical assistance component provided by the Consortium of West Virginia University and North Carolina A&T State Univ from 2/75 to 2/78.
MEISNER, ROBERT|BURRILL, GEORGE · 1978

Abstract
Project was designed to help the GOT increase self-sufficiency in food crops and livestock by providing training for managerial and technical manpower. The evaluation team conducted interviews and data gathering with Tanzanian officials and training personnel. The MINAG manpower devel division was judged to be supporting the project and carrying out its functions, with upgrading of staff in progress. The 12 MINAG Training Institutes (MATI) are hampered by budget limitations and frequent rotation of staff, which hamper morale and hinder planning for orderly growth. West VA/North Car A&T Univ performance is judged satisfactory in spite of late start-up and delays. Evaluators recommend identification of qualified Tanzanians to phase into all positions occupied by Americans. Absence of counterparts hinders technicians' teaching duties and other project-related responsibilities. Training component is judged successful, with 20 of 54 persons selected for training returned, most of them assigned to MATI's. Lack of baseline data hindered measurement of all major benefits of the Tanzanian development effort. Evaluator recommends establishing a system-wide in-service program for new MATI personnel without previous training with focus on classroom and practical teaching methods, preparation of teaching materials, communication skills and human relations. A postgraduate performance evaluation instrument is recommended to be used 3-4 years after graduation of the first classes for relating competence to prior training. Expanded village outreach is recommended to ensure more student contact with village farmers and to improve feedback from villagers. Evaluators recommend adding 30 more participant trainees than originally planned for phase 3, of which 70% should be post-graduates in agricultural education with minors in administration.
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Classification
USAID DEC