RANGE AND LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT

Special evaluation covers the period 9/77-2/80 and is based on site visits, review of files, and discussions with project personnel. Principles of group action have been formed, but group leaders have not been taught motivational techniques. A U.S. training specialist should therefore be provided full-time to the Commission of Agricultural Management Association (CAMA), which supervises the Government of Botswana"s (GOB) groups program, and a consultant hired in the interim. Also, the facilitator method should be introduced and the training program monitored. Only two of 10 planned Batswana personnel are involved in the project -- its gravest weakness. Recommendations in this area include appointing four Batswana as Group Development Officers (GDO"s) and a Motswana as CAMA"s Evaluation and Communications Officer by 7/80 under pain of USAID not renewing its technicians" contract. In-country training for new GDO"s, assignment of a second trained Motswana to the Range Ecologist"s Office, expansion of in-service field training, and strengthening CAMA"s links to other GOB entities are also recommended. Of eight (of 11 planned) U.S. participants trained, five are working in the Ministry of Agriculture. No diploma training in Africa has been or will be given. The appropriateness of the technology used by groups could be improved, especially by using renewable energies instead of fossil fuels to pump water and through bulletins on technology use. To ensure project benefits to the poor, a socioeconomic study of participants and beneficiaries is recommended. Positive effects of group activities on productivity and resource utilization--on which data are lacking--should be measured by increases in smallholder sales of small animals and in income resulting from membership in an agricultural management association. Obligated funds unexpended at the project"s end (which should be extended) should be used in other A.I.D. country projects. GOB should give USAID data on local currency support.