MAPUCHE LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period from 9/78 to 1/80 and is based on review of mission and PVO files, site visits and interviews with PVO personnel and project beneficiaries. The project has achieved desired results: (1) A Central Farm (CF) operated by a self-managed organization of Mapuche farmers has been established which provides dairy and breeding cattle for the project. (2) A farmers" Credit Fund is fully operational and has assisted 94 of 110 targeted farmers, only 5% of whom had to be discontinued for failure to meet project requirements - a very high success rate. (3) The beneficiaries are enthusiastic and have encouraged other farmers to participate. The shortfall in beneficiaries was due to drought and severe price increases for livestock. Nonetheless, 35 additional farmers are waiting to become participants. In 1980/81, 60 new farmers are expected to participate, and non-borrowing participants in the program should also increase. Milk production has increased, but it is not yet evident that production has been balanced between winter and summer. The CF is conducting milk quality studies, and CF technicians visit participating farmers frequently to offer advice and training on general agricultural matters. On-the-job training is provided at the CF for Mapuche Indians, and 24 have traveled to Valdivia, Chile for training at the Milk Institute. One unplanned effect has been the improvement in Mapuche participants" self-image and confidence, as a result of their increased standard of living and pride in their accomplishments. Much of the Mapuche credit fund"s success can be attributed to the in-kind repayment policy, which small farmers find much more acceptable than cash. As a result of this evaluation, USAID funding was approved for another year. Although funds available from USAID fell below the amount requested for the project"s extension, the program will be able to continue through the strong support of Catholic Relief Services and the Maryknoll Fathers, two active local PVOs.