TANZANIAN LIVESTOCK MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - EVALUATION REPORT

This special contracted evaluation covers the period 1/73-6/75 and is based on interviews and site visits. Texas A&M University (TAMU) personnel, while performing well, have been constrained by Tanzanian Government (GOT) policies. Although specific data on project benefits to TLP"s were unavailable, most technical assistance was directed toward parastatal ranches and facilities. Institutional aims have not been achieved. Inputs have been used ineffectively, due to poor communication between LIDA parastatals and TAMU advisors. Parastatals have not sought help from the latter, most of whom have a limited operational role, nor assigned suitable counterparts. Further, there have been deficiencies in the subsector analysis and the financial/management operation. All livestock parastatals have taken losses except the TLMC, due to its high marketing fee. Unfortunately, inefficiency, high transport costs caused by GOT regulations, and low fixed beef prices, force TLMC to offer low prices to TLP"s. Besides not helping TLP"s, this distracts TLMC from its primary responsibility of operating markets, stock routes, and holding grounds -- which can benefit TLP"s. Evaluators recommend the following: (1) Upgrading GOT"s institutional capability should be reemphasized and the project replanned to support GOT institutional functions which benefit TLP"s. (2) While a 4-man TAMU team should continue to provide assistance, project activities should be delayed until more is known about TLP practices and about constraints to and alternatives for serving TLP"s. (3) An indepth study of the interface between TLP"s and the market should be conducted. (4) U.S. training (which is on target) should be suspended until the project is redirected and manpower needs are determined. (5) Technicians should have suitable counterparts to whom they should provide on-the-job and advisory assistance, foregoing any operational role.