Local resources for development

PES covers the period 6/79-12/82 and is based in part on a special evaluation (PD-AAL-678). This overly ambitious project, designed as a complex integrated rural development effort, has had serious problems; prospects for achieving its original purpose are minimal. Assumptions that the Confederation of Yemeni Development Associations (CYDA) could absorb the technical assistance package and translate it into significant institutional changes and that LDA"s were viable instruments for local development were unrealistic. Difficulties were also caused by socio-political constraints in the Hajja Governorate and poor communication between project staff and local officials. Although the contractor, Chemonics, provided experienced and capable personnel, only half spoke Arabic well. Training activities in particular have lagged. Implementation success in Yemen depends on YARG cooperation and its ability to support activities in remote rural areas. Project experience shows that rural projects in Yemen should have easily defined and demonstrated goals which can be readily communicated to local officials. Language skills and technical expertise are equally important and projects requiring intense education and dialogue with local officials are not advisable. Phase II funding should be partly contingent on implementation of the following action decisions: (1) revise the logical framework and the financial and implementation plans to reflect the special evaluation findings; (2) approve no additional local projects; (3) concentrate on construction activities and training, funding no further Rural Information System activities unless CYDA makes a specific request and supplies a qualified counterpart; (4) require CYDA to appoint and pay salaries for a project counterpart and a training officer, and to collaborate in developing a plan for third-country and in-country training; (5) reduce Chemonics staff to six full-time advisors; and (6) draft a work description for Peace Corps Volunteers. Special evaluation recommendations regarding logistics and contractor performance should also be implemented.