Small agricultural tool production project

Final PES covers the period 9/81-8/83 and is based on document review. The project has had virtually no impact on agricultural tool production in Western Kisai. Only 8 blacksmiths, all urban, (vs. 66, urban and rural, targeted) were trained (inadequately); fewer than 100 tools (75,000 targeted) were produced; and neither scrap metal nor follow-up training were provided to graduates. Training was impeded by a variety of factors, including: one PCV trainer suffered an accident and the only other competent trainer was dismissed; lack of interest by PCV"s in urban training, conducted at the Professionald Institute of Katoka (IPROKA); the failure of IPROKA"s Director to assume a leadership role; and dissension among PCV"s, IPROKA"s Director, and the Diocese of Kananga (which administers IPROKA). In 2/83 the project was reorganized and put directly under the Diocese"s control, but conflict flared up again, while PCV morale and productivity continued to sink. A third training session, begun in 6/83, has but 3 trainees. Many of these problems were due to poor project design, especially inattention to the strengths and weaknesses of the implementing organizations, to the relationships among them, and to such factors as the scarcity of available scrap metal and the lack of a system for distributing tools. Monitoring was also inadequate; implementing agencies acted relatively independently, without the benefits of overall day-to-day coordination. USAID/K"s monitoring and evaluation were ultimately quite effective, but started too late. Given the resources of Katanga Diocese and the fact that equipment is now in place, tool production may be continued and made financially viable. Nonetheless, the project shows that poorly designed and implemented small projects are not worth the time and effort spent on them. It is recommended that A.I.D. herewith conclude its series of experimental projects to produce agricultural implements, and that future projects pay more attention to management requirements and be monitored closely and continuously.