Mali livestock sector project, project number 688-0218 : mid-term evaluation report

External mid-term evaluation covers the period through 10/86 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project officials. The project is progressing very well, except for one component, the On-farm Cattle Feeding Credit Program, which is to be terminated. While this program is technically feasible, serious flaws in its management have resulted in decapitalization - in 1984/85 some 25% of farmers were unable to repay their loans for subsidized feed. Nor have field support functions been transferred to Rural Development Organizations as planned. Management has otherwise been generally good, though costly, and has benefited immensely from financial, logistic, and planning/oversight systems installed by the Management Development Support Team (MDST) - even though USDA's performance on the MDST (which is jointly staffed by advisors from USDA and Chemonics, Inc.) has been disappointing. The high-level Joint Management Committee (JMC) is also a positive innovation in donor/recipient coordination, but has been too involved in administrative details. The project's focus on implementation has limited the development of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Livestock's (MRNE) management skills. These should be now emphasized; attention should also be given to introducing a management information system, reducing management costs, and improving USAID/M-MRNE communications by strengthening the JMC's policy while reducing its involvement in day-to-day management. The MDST should serve as an independent advisory body, with particular responsibility for strengthening the management of the MRNE's Veterinary Extension Service. The Forage and Livestock Production Research component has identified some promising legumes for forage production packages and has laid a basis for future work in integrated crop/livestock systems; it will now focus more on commercial dairy operations in sub-humid areas and on coordinating research with other agencies. Construction and equipping of expanded diagnostic and research facilities at the Central Veterinary Laboratory are nearly complete and staff have been trained. Stronger links to the diagnostic service and to veterinary extension agents are needed, however. Thanks mainly to project-provided equipment and supplies, the Veterinary Extension Service has increased vaccination coverage by 50%. Key needs are to reduce costs, increase system efficiency, and develop a privatization plan. The project should continue, with certain mid-course corrections. A follow-on, to emphasize the livestock sector's self-sustainability, is recommended.