Redirection of the upland access component - rainfed resources development project

Special evaluation covers the period 8/84-9/87 and is based on document review and interviews with Government of Phillipines (GOP), Mission, and contractor officials. Although the project will not achieve its construction targets (completion of only 63% of roads, and of a less significant amount of trails and footbridges is expected) or spending goals ($500,000 for equipment has not been used), it has been successful in establishing an LBCM system involving community organization and employment generation. This system identifies, designs, and implements upland access projects in cooperation with local communities and uses previously under- or unemployed local labor. The project is generating employment of about 4,000 person/days per km (vs. 485 per km for equipment-based methods, which would also have cost about 33% more). The philosophy of LBCM is consonant with present GOP development policies. A redesign (and concomitant extension) of the SP is recommended which would allow it to complete works already planned or in progress and, in addition, to rehabilitate or maintain 150 km of provincial roads. Such a redesign would encourage national recognition of the economic and social value of LBCM and strengthen the SP-created Upland Access Unit as LCBM's institutional locus within the GOP Department of Local Government. The A.I.D. contribution would remain unchanged in size though not in components (equipment funds would be transferred), but the GOP contribution would need to increase by 16%.