Evaluation report : OPG 5270245, urban planning services project

Special evaluation covers the period 1/82-6/83; no methodology is specified. Although the project had a slow start and will not meet its goals by the end of the funding period (8/83), it is one of the larger and more cost-efficient CBD projects in Peru. A total of 40 family planning promotors and 240 distributors (vs. respective original targets of 36 and 360, and reduced targets of 20 and 240) have been trained, and of these, 20 and 114, respectively, are still working in CBD - a considerable achievement in comparison to other Peruvian CBD progams. The inititally high drop-out rate among distributors is lower among recent trainees, who have been selected on the basis of community leadership as well as other criteria, and the performance level has improved. Field staff generally are dedicated and serious about the CBD program. The project is serving 3,694 users (with 6,000 projected by 8/31/83), of whom 1,974 are new contraceptive acceptors (vs. 11,000 targeted new acceptors). Supervisory staff appear to be highly competent and motivated, but lack experience in dealing with problems of project design, information systems, and reporting. Planning has not been systematic, largely because the original project design was never laid out very clearly. Considerable technical assistance in these areas is warranted. Mothers' clubs handicraft production activities did not begin until 7/82. Already, operating in 4 areas, they have generated almost one million soles of income and 555,000 soles of profits for participating women. A 175,000-sole revolving fund has been set up for purchase of supplies. Key recommendations are to: extend the project at least 6 months at no additional cost; develop a data system for improved accuracy in user counts; reconsider the link between mothers' clubs and CBD; and allow project staff to visit other programs and receive specialized training.