Peanut CRSP

The evaluation covered the period FY82-8/89. The project has developed an efficient and effective management system and has generated substantial research findings. The project"s financial management system is also very effective in supporting research activities. On the negative side, several changes need to be made to improve decisionmaking and priority-setting processes. The lack of adequate peer review, internal research auditing, and well- understood and determined decisionmaking has led some of the participants to question project choices. Principal investigators are not aware of the criteria applied in making decisions about adding or deleting specific research subprojects, and there does not appear to be any set mechanism for making annual funding decisions. Also, more involvement by the external evaluation panel could help to ensure that subprojects do not stagnate or duplicate work, and that all of the subprojects are relevant and timely. In addition, host country scientists and administrators need to be involved on an equal basis with U.S. counterparts in the decisionmaking process. A five-year extension is recommended.