Rural community development (HACHO)

Evaluation covers the period 7/77-7/78 is based on team review of documents. Project performance has been mixed. The Haitian American Community Help Organization (HACHO), the Haitian PVO implementing the project, has exceeded its target for promotion of self-help community projects to raise farm production both in terms of number of participants (19,250 people) and geographic coverage (2,000 ha). HACHO has also established the first consumer cooperative in the area in Baie-de-Henne, completed surveys and recruited personnel to open 20 community nutrition centers, and repaired existing water systems (rather than install new ones). In addition, three projects not originally envisioned are doing well - a commercial handicrafts venture, an experimental wood and fruit-tree farm, and a bookkeeping effort. Unexpectedly, the project has spurred efforts in Northwest Haiti by other donors while also increasing competition among donors for skilled technicians in the area. The project"s most pressing problem continues to be the uncertainty of provision of P.L. 480, Title I commodities. Under the conditions which prevail in the area, distribution of Title II food-for-work commodities is a necessity for stimulating community participation. Although community councils which do not request Title I commodities for food-for-work activities are contributing the expected 50% of project costs, the average contribution among all councils is 15%. Drought has interfered with the establishment of erosion control devices and soil conservation practices, with only 600 of a targeted 3,000 ha having been covered. It is difficult to determine if the expected 60% of council members are regularly attending meetings; maintenance of project-funded roads, equipment, buildings, and water systems is limited. Project experience taught that community development is a long-term process and that there are no easy solutions to longstanding problems. A series of 10 recommendations are provided.