Technical assistance and training under USAID-Israel cooperative development program : an assessment of the appropriateness, delivery and support, and effectiveness of technical assistance and training provided to countries of Central Asia and Georgia under the USAID-Israel cooperative development program

The evaluation covers the period 1992-1995. Project objectives are being met through a combined program of training and TA. The program is meeting MASHAV and host country development goals, as well as some USAID goals related to privatization, and is providing a useful opportunity for Israeli embassies to carry out a successful development program, thus enhancing their stature. Training provided in Israel is well-received and helps to inform participants of development progress made in recent years. Participants interviewed were pleased with the courses but suggested that they include more training in economics, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Some on-the-job training was suggested for some participants. The program is reaching the desired audience of trainees and effective course follow-up is in place. Two demonstration farms are on schedule, two are behind schedule but making progress, one has made little progress to date, and one has not been initiated. Operations with a quick economic return, such as mini-dairies, have been readily accepted. Computers are being effectively used on at least two herds to maintain dairy records. Operations where the expert works with the local counterpart have performed best. Regarding "Buy America" requirements, the procurement process has held up project timetables in at least two cases, either because equipment from the United States was slow to arrive or because waivers were difficult to obtain. In addition, the U.S. equipment was less adaptable and more difficult to service and maintain than Israeli equipment. Project personnel have worked with other groups, including U.S. PVOs to share information. These cooperative efforts have produced valuable documents for privatizing farms and for policymakers. Lessons learned include the following. (1) Special care is needed in selecting demonstration sites in order to meet project work goals and to facilitate and streamline the work of long-term experts. (2) Central Asia and Georgia present difficult conditions (theft, lack of funding by host, motivation), which are often more complicated than those experienced in some other developing countries. (Author abstract, modified)