Rural Assessment Manpower Study, RAMS assessment team

Final evaluation, conducted in response to a request for a project amendment, covers the period 2/78-1/81 and is based on discussions with project personnel, document review, and site visits. The project design was unrealistic and overambitious, in light of its short time frame and the logistic difficulties in conducting research in Mauritania. Staffing was inadequate; no experienced development planner was part of the project organization, and few of the consultants were experienced in macroeconomic planning. Performance of the contractor (Checchi and Company) under the first chief of party was very poor in terms of financial management, recruitment and assignment of personnel, and the design and conduct of research. Despite improvement under the present chief of party, effects of the earlier period remain. Because of a failure to integrate and coordinate the component studies adequately or to properly design the surveys, there are serious problems in interpreting and analyzing the data. Nonetheless, the data, although of poor quality, must be utilized since no other data are available. Phase I baseline, subsector, and functional studies are seriously behind schedule, and completion of Phase II option papers and studies is unrealistic in light of available time and staff. Finally, little progress has been made in institutionalizing a data collection and analysis capacity within the Mauritanian Government (GIRM). Detailed recommendations (16) are presented to address these problems. Highest priority should be placed on preparing integrated, high-quality policy option papers and supporting the preparation of the GIRM's 1981-85 Five-Year Development Plan. Additional funding for the project or for a follow-on project is not recommended.