Mid-term evaluation of the northern zone consolidation project

The evaluation covers the period through 12/91. The project is in serious trouble. Were it not for the high expectations of thousands of area residents and farmers, it would be advisable to terminate the project immediately. A major problem has been the location of the project coordinating office as an extension unit of the Ministry of Planning. The office"s lack of autonomy has caused duplication of effort, unwarranted delays, and conflicts of interest for contractors and project personnel. About 2 years were required to negotiate the agreements and contracts with public and private institutions participating in the project. Another problem occurred due to a misunderstanding concerning the expected role of the agricultural TA contractor, SISTTEMS. While the project expected TA activities to include all factors needed for crop production from site selection to marketing, SISTTEMS felt restricted to providing only TA and training at the farm level. Nonetheless, SISTTEMS is technically competent and necessary adjustments can be achieved. Currently, there are 1,500 farmers ready to plant 1,775 ha with four export crops: passion fruit, black pepper, heart of palm, and cocoa. Limited credit will soon be available. Market outlook for heart of palm and passion fruit is good. In order for black pepper and cacao to be reasonably profitable, community-level fermentation and drying units will have to be installed. Also, SISTTEMS should consider diversification to citrus crops. Progress in other activities has been as follows: (1) Efforts to strengthen the Association of Road Maintenance have not produced visible results and there appears no sound evidence that it can become a self-sustainable organization. (2) With project help, the Directorate for Community Development (DINADECO) has strengthened the ability of Development Associations to play a more meaningful role in area development. The project should go on to help DINADECO provide seed and plant materials to enable the thousands of poor families in the project area to supplement their diets by planting bananas, fruit trees, and perhaps vegetables around their homes. (3) Land settlement and titling is progressing slowly but according to plans. No further funding from the project is recommended. (4) The environmental management component is progressing normally, after a slow start. The project director has demonstrated a willingness to implement necessary administrative and technical adjustments. With a 2- year extension, project goals and purpose can be achieved.