Project assistance completion report : integrated rural development project (532-0046)

The report covers activities through the amended PACD of 9/30/84. Due to the costly technologies and the complex management structure which it employed, the project failed not only to establish a replicable agricultural production model, but also to provide sustainable benefits in its target area. There was a definite increase in agricultural production in the target area while the project was in existence, but is doubtful whether this increase can be sustained. Soil erosion was only temporarily slowed; most farmers did not maintain the soil conservation treatments, and the technology was far too costly to be replicated. Also, while a great deal of training was provided, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) was able to employ only a fraction of the trained staff after the PACD. Data from a comprehensive farm and household survey undertaken between 6/82 and 6/83 were compiled and digitized and provided to the MOA's Data Bank and Evaluation Division which had received a grant under Project 5320061 to undertake a thorough analysis of the data. This activity was not completed as of 9/86. The project - which included activities in forestation, engineering, farmer organization, agricultural credit, water supply, electrification, road construction, and housing - shows the futility of trying to address too many objectives. It also teaches us to avoid project designs that: unrealistically attempt to reach 100% of the farmers or lands within a geographic area; depend on large-scale subsidies to induce participation; or employ soil conservation structures that farmers cannot afford. Finally, strict management controls are needed to prevent the intrusion of political patronage actions. (Author abstract, modified)