PL-480 Title II food program, USAID/Haiti

480, Title II food distribution program in Haiti. Audit report covers the period 10/77-12/79 and is based on document review and interviews with USAID/H personnel and PVO implementors. The program is generally well run. A total of 379,800 people received rations in FY79 -- 200,600 from CARE, 75,000 from Catholic Relief Services, 76,500 from CWS, and 27,700 from SAWS -- through school, pre-school, and other child feeding activities; maternal/child health (MCH) clinics; and adult feeding and food for work (FFW) projects. Moreover, attempts have been made to ensure that beneficiaries receive rations from only one PVO; inventory records, while not perfect, are adequate; and CRS has constructed a warehouse with a 6,200 MT capacity. Nonetheless, there are a number of problems. Students and FFW participants have sold significant amounts of food on the open market, a situation exacerbated by lack of PVO agreements with the Government of Haiti (GOH) on confiscating such commodities. The PVO"s and most of all USAID/H have done little to implement earlier recommendations, and a complete Title II program evaluation has never been conducted. Because the central kitchen does not estimate school enrollment, per pupil rations vary and it is questionable if beneficiaries are receiving sufficient food. USAID/H staff have made few field visits and PVO"s have not coordinated FFW projects with either GOH or USAID/H activities. CWS has made no internal review since 6/77, CARE has conducted none since 5/78, and SAWS has never made an internal review. Beneficiaries are generally unaware of the U.S. origin of rations. CRS and CWS have not requested A.I.D."s permission to dispose of unfit commodities. To increase program effectiveness in these areas, USAID/H should require implementing PVO"s to: (1) direct beneficiaries not to sell program commodities; (2) issue rations in 2-week supplies; (3) include in their agreements with the GOH food confiscation procedures; (4) coordinate FFW projects with USAID/H"s development program; (5) conduct periodic internal reviews; (6) implement a publicity program; and (7) obtain USAID/H approval before disposing of spoiled food. USAID/H should also make periodic visits to project sites and undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Title II program in Haiti.