Special development activities program in the eastern Caribbean : impact on socioeconomic development

Impact evaluation covers the period FY77-FY80 and is based on site visits to six countries and interviews with project leaders and participants. SDA projects have generally had a significant, cost-effective impact on socioeconomic development at the community level. Of the 28 projects visited (14 complete and 14 ongoing), 10 were judged as having a direct impact, generating substantial income for participants; eight were producing an indirect impact; and l3 were having little or no impact. The most successful projects involved training in home construction and development of an agricultural science curriculum in Dominica; women"s home economics cooperative groups in St. Kitts; sewing and handicrafts programs in Nevis; two woodworking programs in boys" training schools in St. Vincent; and construction of an access road in St. Lucia. Most of the resulting employment opportunities were informal (i.e., self-employment in small businesses, often on a part-time or seasonal basis) rather than formal, full-time positions. These successful projects were characterized by the presence of strong, highly motivated local leaders; use of established groups; emphasis on skills training efforts; and assistance from Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) -- although too great a reliance on PCV"s resulted in project failure. The amount of the SDA grant was not a factor. Besides lacking the above-mentioned positive characteristics, other projects were less successful due to various factors such as hurricane damage, difficulty with A.I.D."s disbursement procedures, lack of participant motivation, a shortage of qualified teachers of agricultural subjects, a scarcity of farm land, and a water shortage (in Antigua). Recommendations are to: (1) involve dynamic, competent local individuals in projects; (2) restrict PCV"s to supportive roles; (3) recognize the value of projects creating informal employment; and (4) direct aid to successful, established groups.