Senegal reforestation project, contract no. 685-0283 : mid-term evaluation

External evaluation covers the period 8/86-11/90. Although the project goal and purpose remain valid, they are not achievable by the PACD. The time frame is too short for a forestry project, long-term TA needs were underestimated, and assumptions regarding training needs of the forestry service were unrealistic. Nonetheless, the project team is technically and administratively competent and continued support is warranted. The matching grants for on-farm forestry component has undergone considerable restructuring in response to studies conducted under the project. It is planned to use matching grant funds for interventions in Acacia albida, block plantation of eucalyptus, and fruit and nut trees. By PACD, some 2,816 grants should be made, leading to the planting of some 4,000 ha. In the training and extension component, technical expertise for interventions other than block plantations has been weak. While this may be improved as the training program progresses, additional TA should be provided. Five participants have begun M.S. programs, and twelve seminars have been held for forestry agents. The media campaign has focused primarily on delivering public service messages, with little attention to developing training materials. Some progress has been made in roadside planting (30 km vs. 200 planned), but this is a new approach to tree planting and time will be needed to work out related problems. Progress has been made in promoting private sector involvement in forestry by conducting basic market studies and disseminating information to the field. Connections between producers and buyers are beginning to improve. Under the policy review component, the project has also provided information support to government policymakers by conducting a study on the forestry code.