Report of the external evaluation of the technology for soil moisture management project (TSMM)

External evaluation covers the period 7/81-4/91. The project did not really get underway until 1984 when the current project coordinator was appointed. Despite its slow, uncertain start -- which almost led to project termination -- the project has done quite well in transferring expertise and in establishing a role for itself in the evolving international agricultural research system. Specifically, the project has: (1) sponsored an international conference attended by 400 participants from 52 countries and 36 U.S. states; (2) arranged 4 international workshops in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East attended by 350 participants from 40 countries; (3) sponsored 3 international seminars in Asia and the Middle East for 580 participants from 49 countries; (4) conducted 4 U.S. field tours for 100 developing country leaders and donor agency managers; (5) conducted collaborative research in Niger, Morocco, Haiti, India, the Dominican Republic, and Jordan; (6) developed automated data bases and information systems on rainfed areas in Niger, Mali, Cameroon, Benin, Syria, and Jordan; (7) developed crop growth and soil and water balance models; (8) provided TA to developing countries; (9) conducted programs with international agricultural research centers; and (10) operated an information network linking scientists from the United States, developing countries, and international assistance agencies. Despite these achievements, the project could be improved through more structured arrangements for long-term collaboration with selected nations in the semiarid tropics. It is recommended that upon its completion in mid-1991, the project be incorporated into the Soil Management CRSP. Two key lessons were learned. (1) There is a need to compile and evaluate research data generated by earlier and ongoing projects to identify research gaps and needs and to prevent duplication of efforts. (2) Data collected on A.I.D. projects should be made available on computer diskettes to allow further analysis.