SIECA INSTITUTIONAL ASSISTANCE

This final evaluation covers the period from 5/78 to 12/79, and is based on a review of project documents and interviews with officials from SIECA, ECID, donor organizations, and the Government of Guatemala (GOG). Progress of ECID"s 1977-79 work plan was notably slowed in the areas of agricultural sector modeling, due to a research design more costly and time-consuming than anticipated; and in input-output analysis and macro-economic modeling, due to a lack of donor assistance. As a result, planned policy outputs were not completed. The high technical quality of ECID"s work has been maintained, although the dissemination and utilization of research results are limited, due to delays in completing the modeling activities, and to the inexperience of ECID staff in transfering technology to policy makers. There are signs of improvement in these areas, however. Other issues raised concerned the relevance of ECID"s research to national governments and regional institutions; declining Central American budgetary support; and the use of resident rather than short-term consultants. For economy of scale reasons, ECID should conduct research in integration issues and serve as a common services organization for national governments lacking adequate staff. The need for a resident advisor in the early 1980"s will depend largely on ECID"s ability to attract back technicians lost through lack of funding. Despite current problems facing the integration movement in Central America, it is recommended that ROCAP extend the project for one year and provide immediate funding to ECID for up to $130,000 to complete policy studies based on the agricultural sector model and price data. If the latter projects are successful, ROCAP might fund other projects in such areas as agricultural sector modeling, strategies to spread the benefits of economic integration to the poor, and employment.