SUB-TROPICAL LANDS DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 9/74 to 11/78 and summarizes views of a DS/RAD team. The project"s natural resource base is adequate, but more research is needed to determine, especially for the long term, the adverse effects of technology, e.g., slash-and-burn techniques, and of such natural consequences to development as wind erosion. The Government of Bolivia (GOB) shows little support, however, for the development of an environmental control system. Technological research has not begun because construction of the two agricultural service centers was delayed by ancillary road projects. It has proven difficult to colonize with homogenous groups due, for example, to culturally derived economic disincentives such as the cargo system. While no optimal ethnic mix has emerged, patterns precluding minority participation should be disallowed. An orientation program helped colonists adjust, created solidarity, and promoted socioeconomic integration. The program was a success because the team, composed of foreigners, adopted a flexible approach, the opposite of the GOB"s inflexibility which has been a major management problem (although USAID"s unilateral purchase of excess tractors strained relations). Project benefits should be estimated socially and politically, not merely in terms of production. These benefits, and the success of the orientation program, make replication of the project feasible. Because of low utilization rates, and to lower the cost per family settled, farms should be reduced from 50 to 25 hectares. To reinstate their traditional economic role, women should participate in the orientation program and in agricultural activities, and should help introduce needed dietary changes. The Agricultural Bank"s credit component should be terminated due to the Bank"s inefficiency. Consolidation of the project depends on development of access to markets and of productive technologies aimed at the total farm concept. USAID should consider a consolidation project and a grant to develop its methodology. A brief bibliography (XD-AAF-906-1) is appended.