Report of the external evaluation panel : orientation and review of proposals, 1990

External evaluation covers the period through 1990. The project has contributed to the development of soil management methods for sustained, productive use of soil, water, and crop plants under tropical high rainfall, savanna, and semi-arid conditions. Commendable progress has also been made in developing a decision support system for dealing with soil acidity problems, and critical research has been conducted for developing other decision support systems. The participating universities offer a pool of outstanding scientists who are knowledgeable and experienced in management of tropical soils. In past years they have made a concerted effort to encourage the practical application of their research findings by farmers and other land users. Despite these strengths, the project cannot continue activities at the current level due to cuts in A.I.D. funding. The project conducts research at three prime sites -- the minimum desirable number for a global program. However, while the prime site mode may be ideal, it appears to be beyond the project's capacity under present and prospective funding. The project should consider a shift to another mode of operation, such as locating prime sites in areas where operations can be conducted with or through other international agencies. The project also needs to shift to a more collaborative mode in which host country researchers are more involved in planning and conducting research. Currently, the project is dominated by the U.S. institutions.