Evaluation of the RHUDO/Central America training program seminars implemented by INCAE

Evaluation is based on document review and meetings with project officials and beneficiaries, and covers the period 3/85-6/87. The INCAE seminars for the most part have been very effective, due to a number of factors. For example, the program was jointly developed by RHUDO/CA and INCAE, and so reflects RHUDO/CA"s agenda; participants have been from appropriate institutions around the region, due largely to INCAE"s ability to recruit key officials as participants; the seminars have been effectively promoted by INCAE, which chose themes that were appropriate and attractive to the participants; the case study method used in the seminars maximized active participation by those who attended; and the seminar faculty were generally knowledgeable and experienced teachers. The seminars have suffered from certain weaknesses, however. Few concrete solutions to specific housing problems (e.g., housing finance, municipal development, etc.) were presented; the schedules of some seminars were too intense for the topics covered; and some faculty did not know the material well. The impact of these seminars on housing and urban development in Central America is difficult to measure, but clearly (1) 350 regional housing professionals have spent two or three days in intensive study of the problems with which they must work; (2) institutional and professional networking have been enhanced; (3) levels of awareness have been raised, new approaches suggested, and new perspectives opened; and (4) the policy dialogue that took place contributed to Housing Guaranty project implementation. RHUDO/CA needs to: (1) give INCAE more guidance in selecting the substance of seminars (particularly important is the role of the private sector in low cost housing production); (2) draw up a series of written agreements with INCAE about the program and seminar development; (3) finance follow-up TA to take advantage of the momentum created by the seminars; and (4) collect the considerable documentation which the seminars have generated. Finally, INCAE is encouraged to have faculty provide more guidance in small group discussions. (Author abstract, modified)