Swaziland cooperatives and marketing project; project completion report

Final contractor report covers the period 1976-82. Project status remains the same as in 11/79, when USAID/S placed a freeze on inputs due to lack of Government of Swaziland action regarding the structure, aims, and financing of the Central Cooperative Union (CCU), the project's key output. The project's contributions to the CCU included development of financial procedures and systems, U.S. degree training of four participants and training of others in Kenya and on-the-job, some physical infrastructure, vehicles, a communications network, and budgetary support. As a result of the project, the number of primary cooperative societies in Swaziland increased from 43 in 1974 to 135 in 1981; marketing of tomatoes, maize, and cotton increased; and annual farm supply sales grew by 234% from 1976/77-1979/80. The project was not as successful as it could have been. Failure to formulate clear policies and operational guidelines within the CCU together with inadequate credit and working capital inhibited full attainment of the project purpose. Definitive and specific implementation plans would have permitted more careful monitoring of project progress and host government compliance with project requirements. The rural population should have received more orientation and information on the role of Swaziland's cooperative structure. Provision of an advisor to the Office of Commissioner of Cooperatives could have averted the communication problems which occurred during the project. It is recommended that no further evaluations of the project be conducted and that the credit and marketing project under study by the African Development Bank be closely monitored to determine whether A.I.D. should contribute to this project and to ascertain its potential impact on other AID-supported activities.