RDA infrastructure support project, National Environmental Conservation Education (NECE) program (sub-project)

Special PES covers the period 7/1/80-10/31/82 and is based on document review and interviews with key personnel at the Mlilwane Game Sanctuary. Although the NECE program is actively reaching thousands of Swazis, activities are 2 years behind schedule due mainly to problems in recruiting a qualified outreach program coordinator, scheduled to arrive 1/83 with another Peace Corps volunteer. All planned construction at Mlilwane has been completed; water and electrical systems are being installed. Except for training materials, most commodities have been purchased. Planned 4-day courses are not currently being held, but 201 personnel have completed 1-5-day field courses, provided mainly by the Ministry of Education (MOE), and 360 university students have completed 1-day field tours. In addition, 22,366 of a projected 30,000-40,000 students and adults have visited Mlilwane on educational tours, and 16,500 of a projected 85,000 have viewed the environmental conservation presentations through the NECE outreach program (begun 2/81). Efforts to include conservation education in the standard MOE curriculum are underway. It is recommended that the NECE put more emphasis on training agricultural extension agents and RDA personnel. Action decisions are to: (1) have the new Program Coordinator revise the implementation schedule, work plan, financial plan, and output levels, and report to USAID/S on the best way to use remaining funds to meet planned objectives; (2) have USAID/S act on the report and make necessary changes in the project amendment; (3) authorize the Mlilwane Game Sanctuary to produce a nature conservation film; and (4) use funds earmarked for a guest house water supply system to construct a planned well system.