Rural development planning departmental development corporations; final report

Final contractor report covers the period 5-12/81. CODEBENI"s operations were upgraded in all targeted areas. Internal operating efficiency was improved through the development of an internal policies and procedures manual prepared on the basis of a needs analysis; implementation of the manual, targeted for 1/82, will be delayed by the 12/81 appointment of a new president of CODEBENI. To improve CODEBENI"s ability to design projects, a draft guide and three studies (two already published) were prepared. Moreover, the guide, which incorporates the "Log frame" and other project management system concepts, has been used in designing three projects. Finally, in terms of regional planning, the contractor assisted CODEBENI to prepare a 1982 operating plan which includes investment programs and plans -- for the first time -- as well as a new budgeting procedure. If USAID/B and the Bolivian Government decide to extend the project, it is recommended that assistance be geared to strengthening planning, internal management, project design and administration, and institutionalization. Advisors" scopes of work might include introduction of "lines of intervention" for project identification, a new regulations manual for improved internal operations, or a policy for delegating authority. The division of labor could be according to institution, intervention, or end use; the contractor favors the latter because it addresses key socioeconomic issues--namely the allocation and administration of resources. However, before scopes of work are finalized both the breadth of the project and the authority of the CODEBENI Direccion Regional to carry out the project must be ascertained.