TECHNOSERVE, INC. - KENYA

This special evaluation covers the period 10/1/78-5/31/80, is attached to a PES facesheet (PD-AAG-629-B1), and is based on a review of project documents, site visits, and interviews with project personnel. Technoserve (TNS), the implementing agent, has met all planned outputs. TNS has reviewed 26 requests for assistance, analyzed 13 subprojects, and implemented five subprojects. The agricultural and livestock development projects will not realize their full potential due to the project"s limited timeframe. The allied ranching subproject has suffered from badly structured loans, high water costs, a lack of immature steers for purchase, and low beef prices. Ranch operations have improved, however, by adopting accounting and management systems and by training local ranch personnel. The Drumvale farming cooperative has repaired its basic facilities, e.g., dairy sheds, and has rebuilt two dams. Drumvale"s poultry/egg operation has profited, and its sheep and goat mortality rates have declined. The Nguu farm cooperative has repaired its facilities, improved its water management, stopped illicit grazing by patrolling its lands, and upgraded its administrative practices. Also under this project, the Harambee, Reli, and Ardhi cooperative credit and savings societies have reported dramatic improvements in their administrative capabilities, with a resultant expansion of operations. One shortfall in this area, however, is the apparent lack of cooperation between TNS and host government financial cooperative institutions. TNS"s administrative apparatus is spare but adequate, with many active counterparts. However, TNS"s foreign image requires it to develop a more effective marketing strategy. It is also recommended that USAID and TNS initiate a livestock production/ranching forum to acquaint technicians, officials, and producers with each other"s problems and views. In addition, USAID need employ only one officer, perhaps the agricultural officer, to monitor TNS activities.