Planning and implementing procedures for contracting agricultural-related research programs in low income nations

The major assumptions are: (1) an international donor agency and a specified host country have reached a tentative agreement for a research program related to agricultural development; (2) the donor agency will request a contractor with proven capabilities, technical competence, and experience to consider a contract for the project; and (3) the host country project will be in cooperation with the donor agency mission located in the host country (or a nearby country) with at least administrative approval for initiation of the project. The process is conceptualized in three phases: (1) preliminary contract discussion and tentative agreements; (2) preliminary field investigations; and (3) decision to accept contract and subsequent planning. Also, procedures and guidelines are described for implementing an agricultural related research project in a low income nation. The implementation procedures are described under the three phases: (1) selection and organization of administrators and the research team; (2) formal project implementation; and (3) evaluation of program activities.