IPSA project funded under TRP-II

The project is a collaborative effort with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Evaluation covers the period 4/86 to 1989. As a tripartite managed activity, the project is among the first of its kind in Asia and is well managed and coordinated. Despite the inability of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) to establish the academic flexibility needed for quality postgraduate degrees, a number of well trained professionals have been produced, and are in high demand. In addition, long- and short-term training activities have proceeded generally on schedule and have led to an increase in the quality of the basic instructional cadre. The construction of facilities and procurement of equipment for graduate training, and collaboration with major research institutions have now provided a significant basis for accelerated improvements in training capability. Since the project focuses on postgraduate agricultural science education, the initial time frame is much too short to accommodate the institutional adjustments required. Key relationships with several national research institutes and the Agricultural University of Bangladesh are just now beginning to evolve. It is strongly recommended to extend the project for five years to achieve a basis for sustainability. The basic authorizing documents by the respective donors in support of tripartite project varied in methodology, scope, and time frame. As a result, a high level of local technical management was required to overcome apparent differences in intent to achieve a well-coordinated implementation effort. It is recommended that a follow-on document be jointly prepared by principal donors to help timely and effective implementation of multidonor projects. Also see abstract under PD-ABA-486. (Author abstract)