Family planning information, education communication and training (IEC&T)

The evaluation covered the period 3/84-2/86. The project is being implemented by the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR). With half of planned activities completed, the project has contributed significantly to the Mission"s overall population strategy. Critical IEC support has been provided to government services, and population and FP issues have been given a much needed higher profile. The CFPA has provided TA in developing national IEC plans to six member FPA"s. These efforts have improved public and private coordination of IEC activities and increased acceptance of the need for such plans. CFPA production and distribution of educational materials have also been highly successful. Training activities have not progressed as planned. Original targets were overly ambitious, and a revised plan has not yet been carried out because the training officer had to serve as chief executive officer (CEO) for one year. TA resources were greatly underutilized, largely as the result of high turnover in the CEO post. Very little effective TA was provided to FPA"s. Because of CFPA"s improved capability and its important role in effectively working simultaneously with government and private associations, it is recommended that future assistance be given directly to CFPA, rather than through IPPF/WHR. In addition, efforts should be concentrated on improving the organizational capacity of FPA"s. The major lesson learned is that some program activities can be carried out more effectively at the regional rather than the local level. Regional efforts tend be of higher quality and lower cost.