Project assistance completion report : agriculture sector training project (no. 517-0160)

The project provided participant training in the United States and Mexico to 105 professionals -- 10 more than the original target -- from 11 Dominican institutions, including universities and various public agencies and research organizations. Sixteen trainees received Ph.D.'s, 89 received M.S.'s, and 5 did not complete their degrees. Returned participants are being employed by agricultural organizations and universities, where they are applying newly acquired knowledge and skills. These returnees have generally been promoted to higher paid positions in both the public and private sector. Their influence on training and education has elevated the level of debate over agricultural policy reform and their influence on technology generation has been utilized by the increasing number of nontraditional agricultural export firms. However, returned participants were unable to fulfill the project target to establish M.S. programs in agriculture at Dominican universities, due in part to lack of funds for equipment and reference materials. Virtually all of the participants expressed satisfaction with the technical and academic content of the program, as well as with the knowledge gained from personal and cultural exchanges. The project made a special effort to include women and met the 20% female enrollment requirement. Women were provided the same salary as male trainees, which allowed them to keep their dependents with them during the training. One negative aspect of the project was that implementing agencies lacked a clear understanding and definition of their responsibilities. For example, it was unclear as to which agency was responsible for follow-up and monitoring of participants, so specialized TA had to be brought in to fulfill this role after project completion. Key lessons included the following. (1) A system for the organization of returned trainees, such as an alumni association, is necessary to maintain program continuity and instill a sense of Dominican ownership. (2) Trainees should be encouraged to join international professional societies.