FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH

Evaluation covers the period 4/78-4/80 and is based on interviews with project personnel and Government of Lesotho (GOL) officials. The nine-man technical assistance team from Washington State University (WSU) is on board. The project is approximately 1 year behind schedule. Outputs thus far include planting of test plots, development of strategies for providing farmers with research results, and establishment of an agricultural research library. However, a number of steps must be taken if the project is to succeed: (1) the GOL must develop policy guidelines, and organizational, staffing and program plans to improve administrative support for the project; (2) WSU must develop both a comprehensive view of project requirements and a corresponding plan of action; (3) USAID must provide more timely and complete advice to the GOL and to the WSU team; and (4) all involved parties should review the project design and determine if it is appropriate to Lesotho"s research needs. Additional project recommendations appear on the PES facesheet and in the annexes. Primary concerns relate to the technical assistance team composition; the issue of a single farm research section versus assigning specialists throughout the Research Division; uncertainty regarding the GOL"s ability to assume operations; and the lack of an overall research approach. Two other factors have impinged on the project: First, the amount of research from previous projects was much less than originally thought. Secondly, the GOL research policy and program support were not as firmly established as had been indicated. Original plans called for long term training for 10 GOL personnel. Instead, one trainee returned in 5/80 with an M.S. in agricultural economics, and a second is due to return in 6/81 with a B.Sc. in agricultural extension and animal husbandry. Four technicians have taken short courses in extension and research. However, 14 potential trainees have now been identified by the GOL, and the WSU team has identified 3-5 possible trainees within the Division.