Mid-project evaluation : Seguenega integrated rural development project

Special evaluation covers the period 9/78-7/82 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with Government of Upper Volta (GOUV) and Africare personnel and with beneficiaries. Despite a faulty project design, severe implementation delays, and limited participation by GOUV agencies, some activities (e.g., the livestock component) are - thanks to a concerted effort by Africare - working well, while others show progress. Village development committees have been formed in 45 villages; animateurs/animatrices have been posted to 12 "Type I" villages, but their effectiveness is limited by fuel shortages and a heavy taskload (e.g., organizing agricultural projects and pre-coops, literacy and health training). Twelve village self-help projects have been completed, 16 are underway, and all 12 Type I villages have a viable producer association. Although the health component is riddled with serious management flaws, some progress has been made: 22 village health teams trained and supplied with medical kits; a dispensary built; and 3 health posts and the Seguenega health center renovated. All sites lack refrigerators, however, posts are deficient in potable water and supplies, and the central pharmacy is badly disorganized. Lack of technical expertise has hindered educational efforts. Adult literacy centers (22) have opened, but both villager interest and quality of instruction vary widely. Young farmer (YF) training, while successful in Goubre, is flawed overall due to students' low ages (11-14 years); 6 YF training centers and 5 pre-coops are operational, but no YF projects are yet underway. Extensionists, villagers, and farmers have received training in crop/animal production. Vegetable cropping has had some success, rice very little. Livestock outputs include: distribution of good breeding-stock rams and roosters; a poultry center; 5 demonstration flocks; veterinary services; and a sheep fattening program. Other outputs include: 11 revolving credit funds established (loan recovery averages 91%); 70 km of roads upgraded; 67 ha reforested; 38 wells; and a nursery distributing 17,000-20,000 seedlings a year. Despite an operational project information system, little has been done to strengthen the management capacity of the Yatenga Regional Development Organization (ORD). Placement of the project operations center at ORD's Ouahigouya Office rather than onsite in Seguenega has reduced ORD participation and weakened project management. Numerous detailed recommendations are made, key among them to: consolidate all training/extension functions at 6 central sites; relocate key staff to Seguenaga; and provide more (and more effective) management personnel.