Pakistan : agricultural commodities and equipment program evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 3/82-12/82 and is based on document review, indepth interviews, and site visits. Implementation has progressed on schedule, conformed to the design plans, and achieved the main objective of the first nine months: to provide balance of payments support. The program should be continued. There have been no major problems in buying the fertilizer to boost agricultural production; only minor shipping-related problems have been encountered. To expedite the procurement process, USAID/P has acted as agent for the GOP. In practice, though, the GOP retained approval rights at the most critical points of the procurement process. Although considerable progress has been made in planning, developing, and executing policy studies, the usefulness of these studies was not assessed. Some warehouses have not adequately protected fertilizer. AID's role in getting equipment from customs to the provinces has not been established. Balance of payments were relieved when the fertilizer contracts were awarded. A discrepancy exists between the evaluation plan and A.I.D.'s intention to measure impact of this particular program on agricultural productivity. Almost all rupees from the first nine months of the project have been earned and negotiations for their use are underway. Recommendations include: USAID/P should urge talks between the Federal Directorate of Fertilizer Imports and AID's Office of Commodity Management to resolve shipping problems. USAID/P should use caution when procuring equipment and should not take physical possession of any equipment. The project amendment should address potential dangers when USAID/P acts as the procurement agent. An experienced, full-time procurement specialist should be hired. USAID/P should monitor warehouses that store fertilizer to ensure timely delivery. Procedures to transfer equipment from customs to provinces should be instituted. Packages have the name of the province where they are being shipped. Agricultural performance should be further examined to ensure that expected changes are monitored.