Evaluation report of the Sahel manpower development project (SMDP)

Special evaluation covers 6/83-4/85 and is based on interviews with Mission, host agency, and local institution personnel and with returned participants of this and other projects. Implementation is lagging in most countries (only 33% of funds have been programmed, and only 13% of planned training completed), apparently because of a lack of appreciation for the role of training in development. Mission planning is often haphazard, with participant processing taking a low priority. The project's attempt to improve the planning of participant training through use of long-term country training strategies and annual training plans has proved helpful, but many improvements are needed. Mission training officers lack the skills required to implement programs and in some cases lack support from Mission top management. Although no viable mechanism for third- and in-country training (strongly encouraged under the project) has yet been found, Missions have greatly increased their country training activities; these have not been without problems (requiring, as they do, considerable Mission management capacity), but they do indicate the acceptance of alternatives to U.S. training. The emphasis on in- and third-country training has put to rest the notion of developing regional English-language training (ELT) centers. The training provided has been generally satisfactory and most participants are able to use the skills they have gained. Sahelian budget limitations are the chief constraint to utilization of training. Short-term training focused on specific skills seems most likely to lead to the development of new systems and programs. Missions have made good progress in, e.g., private sector training, women's training, and local management training. Recommendations are to: not increase funding without a concurrent increase in AID/W and Africa Bureau administrative support; address policy issues (e.g., equivalency, promotions) in agreements with host countries; consider suspending funding to Missions with large unexpended pipelines; explore the possibility of private sector ELT; and upgrade participant orientation and follow-up systems.