FARM POLICY STUDY -- ANNUAL EVALUATION

This Annual Evaluation, which is attached to a PES (PD-AAG-579-B1), covers the period 6/79-4/80. No methodology is specified. Data processing and integration have been delayed by 20-month late arrival of the Chief Resident Economic Analyst. Progress so far has been as follows: (1) The Ministry of Agriculture and Campesino Affair's (MACA) planning capacity has not been upgraded, nor its staff increased. MACA's Statistical Division, however, has improved its ability to conduct studies and collect data. (2) Cost increases caused by a year's delay prevented completion of the Rural Household Study (RHS). Less data can now be collected, and RHS should be reduced to a pilot project. (3) The National Statistical Institute (INE) is in the process of producing edited data tapes for the Socioeconomic Farm Survey, which is due 9/80. (4) Work demands on the author delayed completion of the Southern Valley Survey for almost 3 years and reduced its utility. (5) INE is processing and verifying 2 years of data for the Credit Analysis Study. Edited tape will be ready by 12/80. Data collected for the Impact Analysis is now on computer tape. The Rural Financial Market Analysis has produced publications such as "The Role of Credit on Small Households in Bolvia". (6) Although National Crop Technology Survey data were collected and coded, these data should be reviewed for accuracy. (7) The Traditional Practices Study was implemented late, yet has been run smoothly by the Rural Development Services Team. Twelve months of data from 123 homes were collected. The role of women in rural households should be included in this study. The project has shown that this type of project is time-consuming for A.I.D. management and that the heavy workload and conflicting demands make it unwise to rely on A.I.D. direct-hire employees to draft analytical documents. It is recommended that the project's implementation and budget plans be revised as per annexes to the evaluation.