Thailand sericulture/settlements project : joint evaluation -- February 24-April 4, 1981

Special evaluation covers the period 9/8/76-2/24/81 and is based on site interviews with USAID/I and Royal Thai Government (RTG) personnel and project beneficiaries. Although the project has improved basic infrastructure and exposed farmersto modern sericulture techniques, it is 3 years behind schedule and no output targets are expected to be fully achieved. Stagnant or falling incomes in some settlements have offset the large increases in other areas for an average far short of the goal of a 50% income increase. Only 542 of 1,500 targetted families are participating and silk cocoon production is 21.8% below target. Poor project design and lack of cooperation among the Public Welfare Department (PWD), the Bank of Agricultural Cooperatives (BAC), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MAC) have been the chief problems. Farm cooperatives to provide short-term credit, equipment rental, staff, and markets have not been established. Poorly trained supervisors and extensionists have been unable to recruit a sufficient number of capable farmers or communicate new techniques. Mulberry leaf and hybrid silkworm supplies have been unreliable and credit recovery has progressively worsened. It is recommended that: (1) the project be extended 3 years to compensate for past delays and that the number of targetted beneficiaries be reduced from 1,500 to 1,000; (2) new supervisors and extensionists be trained to offset the current 20% turnover rate and that the current group receive refresher training; (3) only families with two surplus laborers be recruited and that comprehensive training be given during the dry season but only to responsible family members -- not children; (4) a permanent sericulture officer be assigned and regular demonstrations be held in each settlement; (5) PWD, BAC, and MAC form project implementation review and inspection teams to conduct monthly tours of all settlements; (6) PWD establish a revolving credit fund and assist farmers to borrow from BAC to assure timely availability of short-term credit; and (7) indepth studies be conducted on silkworm egg supplies and sericulture marketing and management.