RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Evaluation covers the period 11/74-12/79 and is based on a review of project documents, interviews with project personnel, and sample surveys. The project terminated on 12/31/79, with 99% of the loan funds disbursed. The agricultural services component was undermined by a lack of support from key Ministry of Agricultural (MAG) personnel. Also, MAG administrative procedures relating to budget allocations, forward planning, accounting records, project control, etc., left much to be desired. Although programming and budgeting at the sectoral and MAG level was a major objective, little was achieved. While marketing policies and structures were instituted, planned market information systems and crop forecasting services were not. Outputs include the estabishment of a MAG training department, improved production on the part of the MAG printing plant, and improvements in the handling of spare parts and preventive maintenance services. Under the component implemented by the National Institute for Cooperative Development (INFOCOOP), first degree cooperatives grew stronger and second degree cooperatives lost ground (partially due to a lack of clear policy on the part of INFOCOOP). Although INFOCOOP"s portfolio increased by 67% during 1975-79, 94% of that increase was due to project funding. In addition, INFOCOOP experienced difficulty in developing a statistical base and in functioning along planned lines. Overall, this component was successful and merits further support. Under the final component, the Municipal Development and Advisory Institute (IFAM) provided considerable technical and other types of assistance to municipalities. However, IFAM"s planning and coordination needs to be improved. The project taught the need to (1) come to an early agreement with the borrower regarding the disbursement of funds; (2) avoid grandiose, unquantified objectives; (3) obtain a clear understanding of what is to be accomplished at both the policy and operational levels. The Mission too easily assumed that the implementing institutions shared common objectives.