Report of the evaluation team : project 391-0296, strengthening agricultural research in Pakistan

External evaluation covers the period since project redesign in 1978 through 10/83 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with Government of Pakistan (GOP) and USAID/P personnel and with researchers. After delays due to poor planning and broken GOP-U.S. relations in 1979, the project has progressed steadily. Construction at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), an excellent facility for centralized research and training, is virtually complete and an improved system for coordinating agricultural research nationwide is now emerging. Nine National Coordinated Programs (NCP's) have been instituted, of which four are in an advanced stage: (1) wheat, barley, and triticale; (2) maize, sorghum, and millet; (3) rice; and (4) oilseeds. The wheat NCP has been impressive and production is now over 12 million tons - vs. less than 8 million tons in 1978 due to a rust epidemic. Modest progress has been made in linking research and extension; most research centers are conducting field trials, and PARC has initiated traveling seminars and production campaigns for major crops. More progress in needed, however, in farming systems research (FSR), planning, agricultural education, and research funding. (1) Although an FSR seminar was held, the NARC, understaffed in the social sciences, has been unable to initiate FSR. The PARC system as a whole has similar staffing deficiencies. (2) PARC research planning is still at an evolutionary stage. A planning unit has been established, but needs more resources and stronger analytic capabilities. (3) Postgraduate agricultural training programs in Pakistan are inadequately equipped and funded and are understaffed in certain disciplines. Overseas training under the project has been successful (of 105 trainees, most receiving advanced degrees, 78 have returned, generally to suitable work with their sponsoring agencies), but has weakened demand for in-country degree training. (4) Delays and uncertainties in the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have adversely affected NARC and PARC-funded projects. Fair salary scales, advancement opportunities, and adequate facilities and support services are policy issues which must be addressed. An important lesson is that time, patience, perseverance, and flexibility are vital to the successful development of institutions and have been the key to the project's success. Recommendations are made for improving NARC's administrative structure and upgrading lagging PARC programs. (Adapted from ANE Executive Summary, PD-AAT-669, pp. 86-88).