Evaluation of the international division of Institutional Development and Economic Affairs Service, Inc. (IDEAS), the integrated rural development model in Mexico, and the possibilities for its replication

Special evaluation covers the project"s entire 3-year period (to 12/79) and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with A.I.D. officials. Major findings and recommendations include: the project implementor, Institutional Development and Economic Affairs Service (IDEAS) has not established an effective, efficient, viable institution with the ability to replicate the Mexican rural development model in other countries. IDEAS" international division has only obtained funding from A.I.D. and cannot find other funding sources. During the 3-year grant period, Mexicans financed and managed the rural development model. Rather than operating as part of IDEAS, it has been an independent and separate entity. Mexican technicians have developed a programming evaluation and training capability. They appear anxious to establish direct association with sources of financing and entities interested in employing their services. The Mexican model has unique features unlikely to be found elsewhere. Replication within Mexico has been slow and at least one effort has failed. The model is not financially self-sufficient at any level. Modification of the Mexican model to make it suitable for replication elsewhere reduces it to an approach similar to others in the rural development field. Costa Rican and Guatemalan reactions to the model, while informal, were favorable, but capital and TA from host country or private sector sources has not been assured. AID/W should consider making its own intensive audit of IDEAS, to track all monies disbursed, ascertain services performed, and dispel any doubts arising from the organizational arrangements and other sources of income. Any future AID/W financial arrangements with IDEAS should include specific requirements for frequency and content of reporting on uses of funds and on personnel. Deadlines should be set and action taken on non-performance. If AID/W and A.I.D. missions consider projects in the rural development field which might benefit from TA or training by the Mexican personnel, A.I.D. should examine the option of a direct contract with the Mexican institutions.