Report of the external evaluation panel quinquennial review FY 1997-2001 bean/cowpea collaborative research support program

The most striking and most lasting accomplishment of the bean/cowpea CRSP over the past 5 years is the increase in host countries' institutional capacity to conduct research and transfer technology to bean and cowpea producers, marketers, and consumers. This product of years of investment in human capital development by the bean/cowpea CRSP is obvious from visits to program sites, where most of the scientists hold CRSP-supported advanced degrees. Most of the collaborating host country institutions are staffed with scientists who are on a par with their U.S. counterparts despite sometimes inadequate physical facilities. Another significant accomplishment is the increased stock of scientific knowledge that has been built up over the years about bean and cowpea breeding, culture, storage, marketing, and consumer satisfaction. Further, a global network of scientists has been established that adds value to the scientific advancements. The bean/cowpea CRSP can justly point with pride to numerous areas in which the global stock of knowledge has been increased and technology has been developed with support from the CRSP. In the view of the evaluation panel, the bean/cowpea CRSP is as important or even or more important than the two international agricultural research centers with a mandate in bean and cowpea research, CIAT and IITA, in terms of scientific advances and human capacity. The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) project is the strongest in terms of scientific capacity, as indicated by publications and the number of scientists who participate in the network. This is not wholly surprising, since the LAC region had a stronger base from which to build, enjoyed a close proximity to U.S. institutions, and had a better infrastructure than did the project's African counterparts. The West Africa project, although facing obstacles such as an environment favorable to insect pests and diseases, has developed a strong research program and a viable cowpea production and marketing sector. This remarkable success story can be explained in large part by the long-term commitment and persistence of U.S. and host country scientists. The East Africa project, faced with even more formidable challenges, has not yet reached the maturity of the other two regional projects, but appears positioned to make significant progress during the next phase, having a small cadre of well-trained and highly qualified host country scientists who are dedicated to the objectives of the CRSP, as well as the support of dedicated scientists from collaborating U.S. institutions. The global network of bean/cowpea CRSP scientists is a result of nearly a quarter century of investment by U.S. universities, host countries, and USAID. It is surely a remarkable success story of what can be accomplished by sustained efforts over a long period of time. Despite these successes, the bean/cowpea CRSP faces difficult challenges as it moves into the next phase. It will have to deal successfully with a number of "second generation" problems, including how much to invest in the newer tools of biotechnology, how to achieve the proper balance among disciplines and approaches, how to fully utilize the more advanced host countries in meeting global objectives, and how to complete the shift from bilateral projects to a regional approach. Michigan State University (MSU) has managed the program well, and deserves special commendation for successfully adjusting to a major transition caused by the retirement of key project personnel. Administrative problem areas include the need to reduce the administrative and reporting burden on subgrant institutions, the lack of a uniform and equitable policy on advance of funds to host countries, and the overly technical nature of the 5-year progress report. It is also recommended that MSU expand and improve the bean/cowpea CRSP website, act decisively in dealing with occasional performance problems, explore the possibility of training through distance education, and be more aggressive in pursuing Mission buy-ins.