Mid-term evaluation : Jamaica agricultural research program

The evaluation covers the period 1987-10/90. The project is sponsoring 42 discrete grant-funded research efforts, which altogether account for most of the agricultural research being conducted in Jamaica. Progress in these activities ranges from good to excellent. Research topics include the following: ethnic/local food crops, ornamentals and flowers, fruit production, plant protection and biological control, food legumes, animal forages and feed, and farming systems and aquaculture. Most of the research is conducted by graduate students with supervision from project leaders and other experienced individuals. Almost all research grants include a training component to strengthen research capacity. In addition, the project is improving research policy and programs in the Ministry of Agriculture, Commodity Boards, regional institutions, and the University of the West Indies. Despite these achievements, the improvement of agricultural research in Jamaica will require major infusions of trained personnel, more competitive salaries, improvement of facilities, and greatly increased operating funds. In addition, a National Agricultural Research Institute should be established to revitalize research and to attract international donor support.