Final report : the NFE network project 1979-1983

Project targets were met. MSU"s institutional capacity was developed in the areas of NFE, women in development, training, education for development, networking, information services, and publishing. Information clearinghouse activities were carried out by MSU"s Non-Formal Education Center (NFEC). Numerous reports and monographs were contributed to the resource collection at MSU"s NFE Information Library and many information and publication inquiries received by the NFEC. Six issues in the Occasional Paper series and a set of annotated bibliographies were prepared and distributed, and a number of evaluative activities conducted. The latter included: analyses of the NFE network and women in development inquiries; an evaluation of technical assistance; participant evaluations; an assessment of NFEC"s information management system; a faculty review of the NFEC; and efforts to develop an interregional network and involve A.I.D."s Development Information Utilization Center. Nine issues of the NFE Exchange, a periodical, were also contracted for in the project. However, in 1/82 A.I.D. informed the NFEC that it was discontinuing sponsorship of the NFE Exchange (later extended to 6/82). Three collaborating LDC information centers were also made operational. Specific accomplishments were to: develop criteria for selecting centers; identify/conduct field trips to preliminary center sites; develop/conduct implementation and evaluation plans for each center; provide inservice training to center staff; provide a stock of materials on NFE and women in development; and carry out follow-up field visits. A planned international conference at MSU was not held due to limited funds. Project diffuclties resulted from time constraints, especially due to delays in project start-up; resource constraints, both financial and personnel; lost access to development information by some workers and organizations as a result of project termination; and the results of A.I.D."s termination of the NFE Exchange. Recommendations for future action are set forth.