Health constraints to rural production

The project consists of providing a biostatistician and a mini-computer, along with some other inputs, to assist in data collection and analysis in 2 of the 107 farming blocks in the Gezira-Managil Irrigation Scheme, which is inhabited by over 2 million people. The evaluation covered the period 2/81-4/83. A.I.D. inputs, originally scheduled to arrive by 2-3/82, have been seriously delayed. The biostatistician did not arrive until 8/82, a delay which has led to a further delay in identifying a Sudanese for long-term U.S. training in biostatistics. The computer did not arrive until 3/83 and then with French instead of English manuals. Inoperable equipment has further delayed the data collection and analysis effort. In addition, many of consumable supplies have not yet arrived and several of the laboratory items which were received failed to meet specifications (e.g., wrong voltage or size). These equipment problems are currently being rectified, and once the functioning computer system is in place the project should achieve its planned outcomes in the time originally allotted (3.5 years). No specific outputs have been achieved to date, however. Two lessons were learned. (1) Research in a country like Sudan must utilize mid-level technicians, who are less likely to leave for high-paying jobs in the Gulf. (2) Cooperation and coordination between research and health services is essential for the success of the project. The major action decision is to extend the PACD until 5/87. PES annexes include a technical evaluation report on epidemiology and biostatistics; a layperson"s guide to cost-effectiveness issues and schistosomiasis in the Gezira; a report on integrated pest management; a proposal for monitoring blood and serum cholinesterase levels of cotton scouts (surveillance field workers); and a discussion of plans for assessing the costs/benefits of alternative control strategies.