Rwanda agricultural statistics and analysis unit : formative evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 11/79-9/83 (including a pre-implementation phase, 11/79-1/81) and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project staff. MINAGRI's capacity for data collection, processing, and analysis has been greatly enhanced by the institutionalization of ASAU, which is staffed by 3 GOR managerial personnel (vs. the 7 targeted), 2 TA advisors, 155 interviewers, 18 verifiers, 10 supervisors, and 10 assistants (the total staff is 30 more than planned). Staff training has included long-term U.S. study for 2 (a statistician and a systems analyst) and short-term statistics courses for 3 in Zaire and for several supervisors in America. Also, supervisors (trained by TA and GOR managerial staff) have delivered 4 weeks of training to the interviewers. The pilot agricultural survey has been completed, including fieldwork on a stratified sample of 710 households and office verification of 100% of the data; computer editing and tabulation are underway. Preliminary results have revealed basic characteristics of farm households, land use, and livestock ownership. The National Agricultural Survey is now in progress. Other outputs include designing computer programs and producing survey questionnaires, manuals, and pilot survey analytical documents. Problems, since resolved, have included: insufficient long-term TA (an advisor arrived in 8/83); inadequate interviewer training and supervision (more training is planned, some supervisors have been replaced); low interviewer morale (bonuses are now given for correct questionnaires); and unexpectedly high operating costs (a monthly allowance system is now in place). Continuing problems include: inadequate computer access; lack of programmers and of a computer advisor; lack of skilled GOR personnel to fill ASAU positions; low morale among ASAU managers (due to a heavy workload, low salaries); difficulties in firing interviewers who are regular GOR employees; and inadequate transportation. Recommendations are included.