Small farmer livestock and poultry development

PES covers the period 3/80-2/85 and is based on an attached special evaluation (XD-AAS-050-A), which in turn was based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project participants and farmers. The collaborative efforts of the Cameroonian Institute of Zootechnical Research (IZR), Heifer Project International (HPI), and USAID/C have been successful in most areas. The promotion of improved breeds of livestock and poultry has greatly improved the protein content in the diets of participating farmers" families as well as the general population; production has increased, especially of poultry and rabbits; farmers are highly motivated and have adequate working knowledge; IRZ research capabilities have been improved and the extension component of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries has been assisted. The impact of HPI/IRZ training, including inservice training, long- and short-term courses, and workshops, will continue to provide positive results for a long time. However, because HPI and the IRZ differed in their approaches to the project, some serious organizational and administrative problems were created, which limited technology transfer. In the planning stages of the project, inadequate efforts were made to have a clear perspective of organizational orientations as well as development goals. Issues relating to accountability and roles within the framework of project implementation should have been clearly spelled out in advance, to establish effective working relationships. While no action decisions are presented in this end-of-project evaluation, continuation of on-station research on exotic breeds and controlled cross breeding are recommended, as well as continued efforts to increase the availability of domestically produced dairy products. The option for continued A.I.D. investment in these areas remains open. Material from XD-AAS-050-A is included in this abstract.