MEMORANDUM ON REVIEW OF THE SENEGAL RURAL HEALTH SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND THE CEREALS PRODUCTION PROJECTS

Evaluation, the time frame for which is not specified, is based on a review of project files and interviews with Government of Senegal (GOS) and project staff. The Rural Health Services Development Project (0210) to establish a financially viable, village-level health hut system has been unsuccessful. Only 295 of 600 targeted health huts were constructed. One-third of the first 110 huts constructed are not operating since they are no longer financially viable. Furthermore, of 14 operating health huts studied, only one had a successful revolving fund mechanism and was covering the costs of the medicines used. Most huts were constructed only 3 miles from GOS health posts. GOS has not financed its share of health post construction and cannot support existing ones. GOS" accounting system for the project is poor. Financial controls are nonexistent, and A.I.D. has not been involved in approving large procurements. One attempt to improve the system failed after 3 months. The project has thus been redesigned to halt health post construction; reduce the number of health huts to 400; make more rational site selections for the huts; establish a new accounting system; and require prior written approval for large procurements. In the Cereals Production I Project (CPI -- 0201) to increase millet production in Thies, Bambey, and Diourbel, the provision of expanded extension services, SOUNA III millet seeds, and fertilizer failed to increase production. In fact, fertilizer use declined and the amount of SOUNA III planted was disappointing. Despite the poor results, the Cereals Production II Project (0235) was approved to expand CPI"s extension activities and to include the areas of Tivaouane and M"Backe. These latter two areas should not be included until USAID/S demonstrates that expanded extension services directly increase production. GOS has not met its obligation in paying the salaries and related costs of 139 project staff under CPI. Since USAID/S has picked up these costs, GOS should reimburse USAID/S for the costs mentioned above.