EVALUATION OF THE PATHFINDER FUND. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS FUNDED FROM GRANT NO AID/CSD-1870 (JULY 15-OCTOBER 15, 1972)

Using standardized format for eval of 63 subprojs, PF-contracted team gathered data on and evaluated PF subprojs in Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Senegal, Zaire, Dahomey. In each area served by PF, there are successful clinical programs with adequate facilities, trained personnel, & satisfactory FP acceptance & continuation rates. Some form of outreach program has been added to most clinic programs. Some clinics have not achieved objs, as characterized by under-utilization or inappropriate usage (wrong population served), due to inadequate proj supervision. In fields of education & communication, PF is providing support for reaching new segments of population, as with workshop meetings for the press to increase news coverage of population problems (Philippines) and recruitment of women"s leadership for eventual influence on public policy (Colombia). Other educ efforts, such as radio spots & trained motivators, are directed at increasing clinic attendance. Evaluators recommend more attention by PF to program eval, tech assistance, and monitoring & review of past successful projs. Team also recommends that PF provide professional recruiters to locate trainers; that more fellowships be provided, especially for paramed workers. Bulk procurement of medical kits & oral contraceptives well-documented & controlled in Philippines & Taiwan, are as of greatest demand. Eval of transfer of PF projs to other means of support not possible, due to short duration of most projs, but evidence of some transfer in Dahomey, Peru, Costa Rica, & Indonesia. Specific recs made concerning PF"s organiz & admin in areas of proj selection methods; proj extension, review & follow-up procedures; determination of viability after PF support ends; procedures for searching out new projs; & techniques to surmount problems of difficult environments. Appendices contain brief summaries of evaluated subprojs.