IRD in Colombia : making it work

This report considers IRD strategy, organization, and administration at the national and project levels, along with critical issues of program implementation. IRD in Colombia has pursued two distinct but inter-related strategies: having line agencies focus on a specific target group within a specific geographical area, and having various agencies work together on joint projects toward intermediate objectives. Lending policies of the Caja Agraria (a credit organization) have been effectively redirected toward the small farmer and Caja activities coordinated with those of the agricultural extension. Organization and training of small farmer groups has also been successful; only the marketing agency, troubled by internal political problems, has not lived up to expectations. Participation by IRD beneficiaries, particularly in planning, is increasing, with initiatives coming from the communities themselves. Problem areas have included implementation delays and the differing agendas of key participants. The ability of the program to meet increasing recurrent costs will determine its sustainability and expansion. A 14-item (1975-81) bibliography and a list of available IRD documentation are appended.