NUTRITION LOAN

Evaluation covers the period 9/14/76 - 6/30/78 and is based on progress reports, on-site visits, and interviews with key personnel. Two external factors influenced the project: inflation and high coffee prices. When the vegetable mix price rose, inflation made the food coupon subsidy inadequate, causing a slow-up in expanding the number of coupon beneficiaries. The GOC subsequently incresed the subsidy. On the other hand, high coffee prices led the Coffee Growers" Federation to give additional funds to the health sector from its social welfare fund. Overall, the project was marginally successful. The pilot subproject to test the effectiveness of various nutrition interventions was understaffed and delayed by GOC tardiness in authorizing disbursements. The number of coupon beneficiaries increased only slightly, latrine coverage increased by only 4%, and only four countries completed aqueducts. The subproject to develop evaluation instruments for use in GOB nutrition policy and planning was a success. A committee was formed to coordinate studies and reporting systems; monthly and quarterly evalutation reports were made on time; and special studies were useful in determining policy changes. The subproject to provide a healthy vegetable and protein mix in connection with the subsidized feeding program was delayed by tardiness in GOC contracting. It is one year behind schedule, but should be completed by early l979. The training/pilot studies/technical assistance subproject progressed well. Several GOC personnel received short- and long-term training, including MS-level participant training in the U.S. for two. Over 40 pilot studies were conducted; nutrition seminars, attended by 30, were held; and l5 U.S. and Columbian personnel received short-term technical assistance. The project taught that coordinating multi-sectoral nutrition programs involving several organizations is difficult, time-consuming, and requires a large, well-trained staff.