Terminal evaluation of the agricultural manpower development project

Evaluation covers the period 12/73-12/79 and is based on document review, field visits, and discussions with project personnel. Despite the adequacy of planned inputs, the project substantially failed its purpose. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Training Institute (MATI) system was strengthened to only a limited degree. Improvements made in the curricula, teaching materials, and faculty of MATI's at Ukiriguru and Mpwapwa fell far short of the project goal of creating centers of excellence. Only 1,000 of a planned 1,900 students were exposed to expatriate instruction, and subject areas were limited. Only in the case of the number of participant trainees (61) and the conduct of a manpower survey and study were goals fully achieved. The project lacked a clear design (nor was it re-designed), project managers did not clarify goals, baseline data were not developed, and planned results were neither clearly articulated nor understood. Lack of an implementation framework led to the unavailability and underutilization of inputs. Intermediate outputs, such as returning participant trainees, were diverted from planned uses. Among 30 recommendations made for future projects of this kind are to: develop baseline data, an early implementation and management framework, and expenditure guidelines; set realistic goals linked to project inputs and to participant selection, placement, and training; conduct ongoing evaluations; allocate adequate financial and human resources; have U.S. technicians focus on institutional development; and fit training materials and equipment to project needs. In regard to the MATI project, it is recommended that: (1) A.I.D. provide guidelines for use of remaining funds, request West Virginia University to fund the dissemination of teaching materials prepared by the U.S. technical staff, agree with the MOA on placing four participant trainees at project MATI's, and push for early publication of the manpower study team report; (2) the equipment control system at Ukiriguru be strengthened at once; and (3) the MOA and the Chief of Party reallocate excess equipment at Mpwapwa and Ukiriguru to other Mati's.