Regional remote sensing project (USAID 698-0414) : final evaluation report

Final evaluation, based in part on interviews, covers the period 6/82-2/84. The Facility has made significant progress in developing the capacity to provide services, and there is a growing - though still low-level - sensitivity among governments in the region to the utility of remote sensing in resource planning. Except for member country support, which has fallen since 6/82, all quantifiable targets have been met: average monthly user assistance has totaled 47, and 1983 photo lab production included monthly sales of Kshs 29,340 (vs. respective targets of 45 and Kshs 29,000); 204 (vs. a targeted 100) persons have been enrolled in local seminars on surveying techniques, and over 10 new natural resource surveys initiated. Outputs and training have been of high quality, and all facilities appear to be in good working order; some interpretation equipment, however, is unused for lack of space and personnel. Nevertheless, the long-term viability of the Centre/Facility is in doubt. Poor management has been reflected in significant communication difficulties among the Centre, Facility, A.I.D., and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (the Centre"s guiding arm); lack of a long-term Centre workplan; and an incomplete Facility draft workplan which is not integrated with Centre planning. Lacking counterparts and full staffing, the Centre has relied heavily on contract TA, retaining a low in-house capability to provide special imagery and course organization, and has been unable to meet all training requests; professional Facility staff have inadequate academic training, and the Facility lacks personnel able to utilize needed computer technology (as well as an appropriate definition of computer requirements). Most significantly, the low level of member country/donor support has placed the Facility in severe jeopardy. The Centre and Facility have relied heavily on A.I.D. (the only major donor), which has doled out money in a piecemeal fashion, without making a commitment to institutional development. Recommendations for a one-year project extension and improved implementation are provided.