Final evaluation report : institutional support grant number ANE-0050-G-SS-9037[-00] with the American Society of Agricultural Consultants International

The evaluation focused on two issues: (1) ASACI's success/failure in promoting agribusiness in the Asia/Near East (ANE) region through the establishment of joint ventures between U.S. investors and local agribusinesses; and (2) ASACI's progress in becoming a self-sustaining organization. Taking into account difficult circumstances (including management and administrative problems within ASACI, political turmoil in countries in the region, and turnover of key ASACI and USAID personnel), ASACI's approach to agribusiness development has generally been successful in inducing U.S. investments. However, this was true only in those countries where Mission staff had a clear interest and commitment to fostering private agribusiness development. On the other hand, the grant has contributed little, if anything, to strengthening ASACI's ability to become financially self-sufficient. In regard to USAID's management of the grant, the following findings are noted. (1) The ANE Bureau did not adequately promote the grant and ASACI's role to USAID Missions, nor did it provide adequate monitoring of ASACI to ensure optimal and efficient use of grant funds. (2) The grant agreement did not clearly specify guidelines as to ASACI's approach, use of funds, the timing of disbursements, or reporting obligations, nor did it incorporate a buy-in mechanism which would have facilitated the ability of Missions to engage ASACI's services for follow-on activities, resulting in long delays in follow-ons. Future projects of this type should be designed to complement Mission-funded long-term agribusiness development projects.