Project assistance completion report

The project, although too ambitious and hampered by erratic implementation, made several significant contributions. OEF advisors strengthened ZCSD capabilities in project evaluation and design, and helped ZCSD to carry out an FAO-funded survey of 60 organizations and programs related to family life and to clarify the role of women in member organization activities. In addition, a needs assessment of 20 nongovernmental organizations was conducted and major assistance was provided to several of these. Further progress toward project objectives was precluded, however, by the erratic nature of backstopping from OEF"s home office (due to high turnover and consequent lack of experienced staff) and by misunderstandings between OEF and A.I.D. and between OEF and ZCSD; the latter were a major impediment during the early stages of implementation. Also, one of the two OEF onsite advisors left the project early and was not replaced and USAID/Z was not adequately staffed to support activities which were not specified in its country development strategy statement. Had the project been more attuned to USAID/Z"s goals and strategies and had more attention been given to its shortcomings early on, the project may well have been continued. Lessons learned are that: implementing agencies, host countries, and A.I.D. must share a clear understanding of project objectives and activities; adequate home office backstopping is crucial; and USAID"s must be adequately staffed to provide needed project support.