PL-480 Title I and III

480 Title I and III programs in Bolivia, with specific focus on the P.L. 480 Executive Secretariat (ES) and wheat marketing system. The evaluation covers the period 1978-FY88. ES staff are professional and have carried out most of the recommendations made in the last evaluation. Beneficiaries of ES credit programs are generally satisfied, although many criticized the late arrival of funds. This problem currently is beyond the control of the ES, since it plays an implementing rather than a planning role. Another problem has been the duplication of work done by the ES and intermediate credit institutions. An action decision is to restructure the ES to increase its management and programming capabilities. Specifically, the restructuring will establish: (1) a professional staff evaluation system, (2) objective criteria and procedures for reviewing and approving projects to meet joint commission goals, and (3) improved internal accounting capabilities. It is also recommended that the ES expand environmental and natural resource management activities and emphasize projects that are locally focused and use simple technology. P.L. 480 involvement in major road projects should be reduced. The Government of Bolivia has made good progress relative to the policy committments contained in the Title I/III agreements of 1985 and 1986 (as amended), but is behind in deposits that would allow the closing out of the Title III, 1978, and Title I, 1985 programs. Although the current wheat marketing system in Bolivia is functioning without significant problems, there is widespread support for replacing the system with a wheat marketing council which could improve the importation and marketing of P.L. 480 wheat. However, the current system should not be abandoned until the new system is fully designed and all parties involved understand and accept their roles in the new structure. An action decision calls for measures to shorten the process required to secure wheat imports.