EVALUATION OF THE WEST AFRICAN RICE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (WARDA)

This special evaluation, attached to a PES (PD-AAI-590-A1), covers the period 10/75-3/78 and is based upon site visits, a review of project documents, and interviews with project personnel. WARDA's Rokupr research station is meeting project objectives with its swamp rice varietal improvements, which assess traditional rice varieties' strengths and test the adaptability of 350 imported varieties. Rokupr seeks to develop a long-term, disease-resistant variety for current cropping methods and a short-term, salt-tolerant variety for double-cropping. However, the Rokupr and Mopti stations had little information on local farmers and their activities. It is recommended that Rokupr conduct a sociocultural survey of local farmers and that Rokupr and WARDA's Training Center increase their exchange of staff and research. Lacking a research director, the newer Mopti station has suffered from poor program management and a lack of staff expertise. It is recommended that until a director and assistant director are selected, Mopti be backstopped by periodic visits of WARDA specialists and that construction authority be given to CDO/Bamako. Mopti's 1977 harvest findings were unavailable at the time of review. WARDA's Training Center has graduated 159 trainees in a series of three courses. The courses' scientific/research components are adequate, but need more emphasis upon extension techniques and the two stations' operations and research findings. At the regional level, WARDA's Secretariat has a great potential to link its research and training activities to farmer's needs. It is thus recommended that WARDA seriously consider establishing a Department of Training and Extension. It is also recommended that WARDA continue its efforts to collect members dues and evaluate, in cooperation with USAID, its impact upon regional rice production. A four-page bibliography (XD-AAI-590-1) is appended.