Final evaluation, FSP/FIJI grant 879-0251-G-SS-3016-000 : small projects disaster assistance program in the Fiji Islands, June 1983-September 1984

The program was a success. Under two grants, it funded 30 projects in 31 villages, organizing villagers to rebuild/renovate a total of 453 kitchens, 94 toilets, 56 showers, and 6 community centers to the benefit of an estimated 9,725 people. Only one project was rejected. However, because of a long delay in the delivery of monies from the second grant, materials were still being delivered as late as 8/84, well after the project"s official end. The program benefited from the efforts of the Sigatoka District Officer, FSP"s Country and Project Directors, and an inservice PCV, as well as from FSP"s ability to tie into the A.I.D. program a women in development project for which it negotiated a grant from the UN Development Programme. The excellent relations of both USAID and FSP with the Fiji Government were key factorsin the program"s success. Another key factor was the quick response of A.I.D."s PVO funding mechanism. In fact, the major lesson learned from the evaluation is that of the flexibility which enables the PVO mechanism to expedite activities which otherwise would take much longer to implement and thus not meet beneficiary needs. No recommendations were made. (Abstract adapted from ANE Executive Summary, PD-AAT-669, p. 120.)