Food security and nutrition monitoring (IMPACT)

Mid-term evaluation covered the period 9/90-11/95. The project is being implemented by the International Science and Technology Institute (ISTI). Project design focused on an extremely important issue -- the high rate of malnutrition and accompanying food insecurity in many developing countries, a situation suspected, then as now, to be worsening. The objectives of producing more and better data and promoting their use were appropriate. Generally, IMPACT has done a commendable job in meeting the objectives contained in the logical framework; a significant amount of research has been accomplished. Unfortunately, this research has not been sufficiently generalized and disseminated into useful materials for policy makers/program managers. On the positive side, the emphasis on providing TA and training to PVOs to improve their administration of Title II food aid programs was a defining moment in the project"s lifetime and should greatly improve food security over the long term. Where the project has fallen short, blame should be placed on the overly optimistic assumptions of the project design regarding the interest of host countries, the Missions, and Bureaus in the project, rather than on faulty implementation. Though initial progress was slowed by the changes in the project directorship and by the lack of a Food and Nutrition Specialist, these positions were filled in 1992 and 1993, respectively, which greatly stabilized project management. The specialist"s position appears to have evolved beyond the original intended role of coordinating technical consultants to encompass project administration in the Director"s absence and the contribution of significant programmatic input and direction. Project technical and contractual management of subcontractors, while not seamless, have been effective and diligent given the breadth and depth of project activities. However, the small management staff made management of so many countries and keeping up with USAID reporting requirements difficult.