Project assistance completion report : regional coffee pest control project (no. 596-0090)

For the first time in Central American history, the project organized the technical, financial, and administrative forces needed to combat a serious economic threat to the coffee industry. To accomplish this, the project established a network for exchange of information and rust-resistant genetic materials between countries. In addition to the scientific experiences gained in research and extension, the project trained thousands of national technicians and more than 25,000 small producers in modern methods of coffee production. The regional institutional network established is capable of dealing technically and administratively with any future threat from the introduction of new coffee diseases or pests. The project had a major positive effect on coffee production throughout the region. Small farmers using only improved cultural practices and chemical controls increased their yields from 500 pounds per manzana to over 1,600 pounds. Farmers receiving credit and using the complete project technological package exceeded rates of 5,000 pounds or more per manzana. The main spinoff of the project was the realization by Central American leadership that much more can be accomplished in a cost-effective manner by working together to overcome common regional problems than by working alone. Lessons learned include the following. (1) Reduced levels of chemical application and improved farm sanitation can control coffee rust and bean borer at economically feasible costs. (2) A.I.D. financial support through ROCAP was the determining factor in the project's success. Also of great importance, however, was the participation of international institutions such as IRCC of France, ICFC of Portugal, CENICAFE of Colombia, and the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil. (3) The whole coffee industry benefits from programs which target small producers. The latter, in turn, are more likely to benefit from projects such as this when they are represented on the board of directors of national coffee institutions. (4) Multi-institutional projects are better served when responsibilities and contributions of participating organizations are spelled out in precise detail. The formation of interdisciplinary groups could further this end. (5) The Friendship and Working Group (GAT) extension methodology developed in Colombia was employed with great success in Honduras and Guatemala. Subsequently, GAT's which employ a mass media information transfer system have been established in all PROMECAFE countries. GAT's are also being successfully used in the Regional Agriculture Network Project (5960127).