FINAL REPORT : AFRICAN WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 6/76-9/80 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project staff. This project consists of seven subprojects (SP's): Gara Cloth Industry-698038802; Ghana Day Care-698038803; Kassack Nord-698038804; Silkworm and Vegetal Tannin Study-698038805; Casamance Vegetable Growers-698038807; and Income Producing Feasibility Study-698038808; and Tivaouane-698038810. While SP's conform to A.I.D.'s criteria and are inherently replicable, most SP objectives were not stated quantifiably, nor were baseline data furnished, making performance difficult to measure. The findings of the few feasibility studies that were conducted were either not used or the long lapse of time between the study and project commencement rendered the results irrelevant. Market studies also were not used; as a result, the commodities produced in the SP's were introduced into already saturated markets. Budgetary levels were insufficient to meet the scopes of projected outputs and to supply planned inputs. The delivery of funds and inputs was often delayed, but project planning rarely took these delays into account. The inputs for several of the SP's were technically inappropriate, since there were no personnel trained to maintain them. None of the SP's included in their designs the routine evaluations which might have averted poor project management in several instances. The above factors suggest that women in development projects do not enjoy a high A.I.D. priority. Nonetheless, the SP's that did succeed in generating enthusiasm among the women. Most SP's could be salvaged with appropriate funding, technical assistance, management, and monitoring. It is recommended that: a management training component be included in each SP; feasibility studies be conducted prior to project design; measurable objectives be incorporated in project designs; sufficient time and funding be allotted for implementation; regular evaluations be conducted; project inputs be technologically appropriate; and women assist in project planning.