Evaluation of the integrated agricultural production and marketing project

Special evaluation covers the period 4/79-4/81 and is based on site visits and interviews with project staff. Progress has been made in each of the project's five thrusts. The National Policy Thrust has demonstrated to the Ministry of Agriculture the value of accurate and timely economic information and has improved the capacity of the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (BAEcon) to generate reliable statistical estimates. It is recommended that a statistical advisory committee be created to integrate statistical support systems; a national policy analysis capacity be organized; the challenge of regional policy analysis capabilities be confronted; agribusiness/small farmer linkages be fully examined; and national and regional abilities to analyze food policy alternatives be enhanced. The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the University of the Philippines at Los Banos have achieved most of the objectives of the Academic Thrust with the formation of a B.A. major in agricultural marketing and two M.A. programs in agricultural marketing and agribusiness management. This thrust can be terminated provided all current and fall 1981 enrollees are permitted to complete their degrees. Under the Technological Package Thrust, CLSU has devised a replicable system to develop, test, and disseminate small farmer technological packages. CLSU ought to increase staff and student involvement in the project and expand research efforts with other institutions. A study should be made of possible uses of the food/feed grain processing facility. The Extension/Outreach Thrust has developed a model of extension services delivery, which is being considered for national expansion, directed toward small farmers and rural families. This thrust should be terminated as planned when current activities are completed. Lastly, the Marketing/Agribusiness Thrust has supported the development of two regional agribusiness councils and two market assistance centers and has improved the viability of at least 14 area marketing cooperatives. A.I.D. and the Government of the Philippines should give priority to developing a policy environment conducive to improved agribusiness/small farmer linkages.