Puebla project, seven years of experience 1967-1973

This report documents the first seven years of the Puebla Project -- its philosophy, objectives, organization, operation and accomplishments. It was prepared by staff members and advisors, most of whom have been associated with the Project since its beginning. In analyzing progress during these initial years, this report reflects the Project"s multidisciplinary team approach. An introductory section states Project objectives, initial conceptualization, and the prerequisites for locating the Project area. The characteristics of the area--its land and people--are described next, followed by an overview of the evolvement of Project operations from 1967 to 1973. Chapters 3 and 4 detail the methodologies, field operations, and accomplishments of the maize research programs; Chapters 5 and 8 describe the methodologies and field operations of the technical assistance and evaluation programs. Subsequent discussion (Chapters 6,7,9,10) provides an examination of Project activities in organizing farmers, improving the operations of service institutions, persuading farmers to adopt new technology, increasing maize yields, and improving the general well-being of the farmers. The benefits attributable to the Project are compared with costs in Chapter 11. The Puebla Project"s role in getting similar programs underway in other parts of Mexico and other countries is outlined in Chapters 12 and 13. In its final chapter (14), the report seeks to summarize what has been learned about the organization and operations of successful regional agricultural development projects.