PL-480 Title III (food for development) program : joint Government of Senegal/United States evaluation report for the period from June 1984-December 1985

480 Title III Food for Development Program in Senegal. Joint AID/GOS evaluation covers the period 6/84-12/85 and is based in part on interviews with subproject (SP) personnel. Since the previous evaluation in 6/84, financial resources have been sufficient to permit SP's to be funded in a timely manner. Delays in providing justifications for some SP's, as well as in the review of these justifications by the Secretariat, have sometimes disrupted SP timetables, but nonetheless it appears that virtually all SP objectives will be met by the end of 1986 as planned. Two exceptions are the hydrogeological study and SODEVA seed warehouse SP's, which will terminate in 1987. Also, additional fourth tranche deposits to the special account of CFA 938 million are needed as soon as possible to permit full SP funding for 1986. Several actions have been taken to improve program management in response to earlier recommendations. The Management Committee has held more frequent meetings, distributed its minutes to SP directors, and made more visits to SP's (although still more visits are recommended). Also, per diem allowances have been adjusted and steps have been taken to improve SP accounting procedures and internal controls. It is recommended that the Permanent Secretary of the Management Committee: (1) assign personnel precise work schedules to ensure that SP justifications are reviewed quickly; and (2) ensure that Management Committee decisions are understood and put into practice by Secretariat staff. It is also recommended that the Management Committee review at each meeting amounts disbursed to SP's, as well as any problems with justifications that may exist and then follow-up those problems immediately to ensure the proper flow of SP funds. Included in the evaluation are reports on the 15 SP's, which include, inter alia, activities in dune stabilization, charcoal production, agricultural policy, village woodlots, income generation associated with maternal/child health centers, vocational training, food technology, cookstoves, and state nurseries.