Progress and problems in implementing adaptive crop research and extension project in Sierra Leone

Audit report covers the period 1980-4/84 and is based on document review, discussions with GOSL, USAID/SL and Regional Economic Development Support Office/West and Central Africa (REDSO/WCA) personnel, and site visits. The project has made commendable progress. An extension system has been developed to transfer research results to small farmers and 50 extension agents have been trained, 675 farmers are involved in research trials and demonstrations, minikits (consisting of planting materials/seeds, cuttings, fertilizer, and cultivation instructions) have been distributed to another 20,000 farmers, and long-term training has been provided to 15 participants and short-term training to 35. However, because the project design did not establish measurable objectives or an effective monitoring system, feedback is received only from the 675 farmers involved in applied research; minikit farmers have not been monitored as to their adoption of the project technology, the benefits thereof, or their need for assistance in other areas such as credit, pest control, or crop storage. Such data being lacking, USAID/SL"s current efforts to design a follow-on project seem premature. Management of the TA and training components has been poor. The contractor has had trouble recruiting qualified personnel - due partly perhaps to lack of facilities in Sierra Leone - and fielded the TA team 20 months late. Turnover has been high; since 9/81, the TA team has been fully staffed only 18 months. Also, the return of participants receiving U.S. graduate training has been delayed because of inadequate monitoring by faculty advisors. A reliable accounting system was established in 1983, eliminating earlier weaknesses; however, some further improvements in the budgeting and reporting systems are needed. Also, USAID/SL has not made effective use of the expertise available from REDSO/WCA to address the project"s problems. Key recommendations are that USAID/SL obtain data from minikit farmers as to project effectiveness, develop a monitoring system, and delay design of a follow-on project until more information on project impacts and farmer needs is available.