Rural development training

Final PES, consisting of a facesheet only, covers the period 11/82-4/84 and is based on an attached final evaluation (XD-AAQ-931-A). Principal recommendations are that the Rural Development Institute (RDI) established under the project: (1) offer a "concentration," rather than a "major," in plant science and animal science; (2) establish a one-week orientation program for incoming students; (3) coordinate more closely classroom instruction and practical skills training; (4) review the responsibilities of the farm manager, the head of the Plant Sciences Department and the Administrative Assistant to the Director; (5) identify the limited area of the Cuttington University College (CUC) farm required for RDI practical skills training and formalize an agreement governing its use; and (6) review the curriculum and reduce the number of courses offered. In addition, there should be reductions in both teaching and support staff; salaries and benefits should be reviewed and salaries frozen until comparable institutions "catch up." Student enrollment should be increased and consideration should be given to increasing tuition and to offering short courses and inservice training. A comprehensive management and financial examination should be conducted to strengthen internal controls, particularly in warehousing, vehicle use, and payroll. Definite agreements should be reached between RDI and CUC regarding specific tasks and responsibilities, cost sharing, and remuneration; compliance with CUC/RDI/A.I.D. contractual obligations should be strictly monitored.