Midterm evaluation : land use productivity enhancement project

Evaluation covers the period 2/89-5/93. Primary conclusions and recommendations are discussed below. (1) Technologies for soil conservation and production of basic grains are well integrated and adapted to meet project goals. LUPE is currently refining its technologies to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness and should emphasize these efforts with a view to replicability and sustainability. (2) LUPE's extension and training methodology is among the most advanced in Central America for a project of this type. It could be improved through greater integration of the technology and extension components and more attention to the production system as a whole. (3) LUPE women extensionists are reaching larger numbers of clients at a faster rate than any other LUPE component. LUPE's approach is gender-segregated, however, with women having access only to "women's" activities -- some of questionable appropriateness, cost effectiveness, and impact. LUPE should strengthen its extension component by engaging extensionists, (women or men) who can deal with both household and field activities on a less segregated basis. (4) LUPE has introduced various basic grain storage techniques for different farm types. These seem to be well accepted and appropriate. Fruit and vegetable processing (canning and drying) has met with limited success, however, because it is expensive and of little cultural value. Marketing fresh vegetables and fruits is an impressive and successful activity for increasing household incomes and should be emphasized for beneficiaries with production potential and access to markets. (5) LUPE's main problem, which caused delays in project implementation, has been resolved with the appointment of the current directorate. Some aspects of organization and management could be improved, such as better logistical support (particularly transportation and autonomy over the use of discretionary funds at the regional level), and feedback for management and decision making. (6) LUPE should complete its requirements for collecting baseline data for monitoring and impact evaluation. Minimum requirements should be determined and the missing information collected and replaced as quickly and efficiently as possible, from the least costly sources. A geographic information system (GIS) is not needed. The Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) should be strengthened and reclassified as a support unit within the organizational structure. (7) LUPE has leadership and a high proportion of dedicated, capable, and motivated staff at all levels. The technical assistance team is carrying out its assigned role with good backstopping from the home office. Project management and oversight are unusually good. (8) Original targets for LUPE are being scaled back based on numbers of potential beneficiaries and a better characterization of the project area. Financial resources are being reshuffled to provide a stronger thrust for training of contact farmers by nongovernmental organizations. LUPE has an excellent chance of meeting its revised targets and attaining its objectives, assuming continued administrative stability and increased, less gender-segregated, technical assistance output. (Author abstract)