Report of the external evaluation of agricultural research development project II

Special mid-term evaluation covers the period 1979-1/84 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with researchers, administrators, policymakers, and clients. PCARRD has continued to make significant progress towards its objectives, and although once widely viewed as a threat by other research institutions, is now a respected member of the Philippine research and development community. Among its accomplishments (during this project and its predecessor): a nationwide system of national, regional, and cooperating research stations, with multi- and single-commodity responsibilities, organized into regional research centers/consortia; a system of research priorities related to national development goals; improved research management practices and policies; increased research funding; improved packaging and dissemination of research results; and improved linkages with other research and development agencies and with international organizations, extension agencies, and farming, forestry, and fishing communities. PCCARD has also had a spillover effect on the academic programs of colleges and universities. Since 1973, when PCCARD as a new institution started its manpower development program, 820 grants have been awarded for in-country degree training (75 B.S., 645 M.S., and 100 Ph.D/ABD), 67% of which were to institutions outside the Manila/Los Banos area. International training grants (for Ph.D.'s, nondegree training, and travel) have been awarded to 195 researchers and support staff. Under the Phase II project (since 1979) 58% of total infrastructure planned has been completed, another 30% is underway, and $4.4 worth of equipment and library materials have been added to agricultural research facilities. The percentage of PCARRD-funded research outside the Manila/Los Banos area has increased from 23% in 1981 to 50% in 1983. Key needs for continued development of the Philippine's agricultural research program are to allow PCCARD to allocate directly a larger share of research funds and to place even greater emphasis on the needs of regional research centers.