North Cameroon pilot community development project

Evaluation covers the period 3/78-10/80 and is based on site visits, project document review, and interviews with GORC, USAID/C and project officials. The project will not achieve its goals by the 6/81 completion date, nor does the GORC have the resources to replicate the contractor"s Community Development Foundation (CDF) basic strategy or village cluster approach. The project has been adversely affected by the poor design of the original grant; the GORC"s lack of involvement in project management; and the inability of CDF to sustain local initiative and support for activities too expensive and complex for villagers to carry out unaided. Project output levels varied. Committees were formed in all nine project villages with subcommittees in water management, agriculture, and health/nutrition; village-level training was provided; and a development plan prepared. In the water resources component, 8 of 10 planned wells were dug (but are not yet functioning), 8 well diggers were trained, and 2 cisterns were constructed, but faulty equipment prevented the digging of artificial watering ponds. Under the agriculture component, all 50 shade trees were planted in each village, but no blacksmith training was provided and the reforestation/soil enrichment project was not initiated because additional trees were unavailable. Primary schools in Saoringwa and Sirlawe villages were constructed as planned and construction of two classrooms per village was begun, but the planned survey of non-formal education has not been conducted. Finally, in the health and nutrition program, 2 CDF field coordinators, 8 village health agents, and 6 of 10 planned birth attendants were trained, and a maternal/child health program was begun. Supplies and personnel are ready to operate health posts pending the approval of the Ministry of Public Health. It is recommended that A.I.D.: terminate the project as planned; scrutinize more closely the technical and administrative feasibility of PVO projects; and stress to PVO"s the importance of including beneficiaries in the project design and review process.