NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY

Evaluation covers the period 7/78-6/80 and is based on interviews with project staff and a review of documents. Project implementation was delayed due to a lengthy contracting process and extensive damage from the 1978 hurricane. The main focus of the project was altered from a macroeconomic approach to an action-oriented, project-specific approach, a change not great enough to merit an amendment. Major planned outputs are being achieved with only minor modifications such as designating the first household survey as preliminary (since it was conducted in the aftermath of the hurricane) and reducing the scope of the employment policy and strategy to specific projects. Employment strategies being developed address the relationship of employment activities to in- and out-migration and to rural-to-urban population flows. Also considered are the problems of housing, health, and education. Activities which are currently in progress include: a micro-business study; a small-business sub-sector assessment; a vocational education sector assessment; a micro-industry operational program grant; and a small industry loan. Activities already completed include: a study for the Sugar Council on the substitution of Dominican for migrant Haitian labor; a study of Haitian migrants; an analysis of the employment implications of the 1970-80 national budget; and data collection for the National Office of Tourism. Despite these achievements, the analytical capability of ONAPLAN"s policy unit remains weak. This situation was exacerbated by the reduction of ONAPLAN"s staff caused by the use of USAID funds for action programs rather than for staff salaries. This decision was made, however, on the principle of increased financial commitment to the project by the Dominican government -- a commitment on which the project"s success ultimately depends.