MID-TERM EVALUATION REPORT OF THE ON - FARM WATER MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROJECT

This special evaluation, attached to PES, covers the period 8/31/77-10/31/80 and is based on onsite observations. Cotton, groundnuts, and soybeans have been found favorable for upland production; their use would also improve area water management. Another year is needed before the crop production and water management findings can be extended to farmers in the demonstration/training phase. Only the land preparation and leveling activities are on schedule, despite the fact that the project is 60% complete. The structures and water measurement activity is 20% complete, demonstration/training is 10% complete, and water balance activities have not yet begun. Personnel problems have been major: the Chemonics Inc. staff has performed only fairly, while the Government of Sri Lanka has assigned an insufficient number of trained, permanent staff to the project. Data analysis and critically important extension efforts have been most affected; more field researchers are needed to identify the most useful water management techniques and to collect additional information on the amount of rainfall and irrigation water which is being needlessly drained. At least two permanent researchers must be added if the project, which is necessary now more than ever, is to benefit the greatest number of people. Recommendations are: (1) the project should be extended for one year; (2) the manual "Leveling Small Farms in Bench Terraces" should be published immediately; (3) nine Sri Lankans should be hired as research assistants in irrigation/drainage methods, demonstration/training, water balance, and structures and measurement; (4) the project director should be given extra help in managing the project; (5) short-term expatriate advisors with backgrounds in hydrology, irrigation engineering, and extension should be hired if sufficient in-country advisors are not available; and (6) two persons with advanced U.S. training in on-farm water management should be provided.