Togo animal traction development project, AID no. 693-0218 : final evaluation report, July - August 1988

Project TA was provided primarily to PROPTA, a GOT institution established to coordinate and expand AT activities. External evaluation covers the period 1983-6/88. The project was an unqualified success. At the heart of project activities were 16 rural facilities constructed to serve as AT training centers, equipment testing sites, and stocking points for animals, equipment, and veterinary supplies. More than 1,700 farmers and extension agents participated in the hands-on training programs, which are effective, technically competent, and sustainable by host-country institutions. Approximately 700 small farmers benefited directly from project-promoted technical packages (i.e., equipment plus training). PROPTA has supplied more than 850 pairs of oxen to project beneficiaries and coordinated veterinary services in areas where such services are limited. PROPTA successfully produces a technical quarterly, an AT manual, and worksheets, although the quality of these publications could be improved. While PROPTA has carried out required monitoring and evaluation responsibilities, guidelines in this area focus too narrowly on output indicators. Establishment of a credit program for farmers adopting AT technology has been critical to project success, and loan repayment rates are currently nearly 93% in the Savanes Region. On the negative side, the project experienced delays and shortfalls in both USAID and GOT funding due to complex administrative and fiscal procedures. In order to cope with these deficiencies, the project borrowed from resources in earmarked accounts and from other donors. The project also failed to conduct a training needs assessment, which resulted in insufficient participant training. Prospects for project sustainability are enhanced by GOT policy reforms which endorse AT technology and mandate high-impact training and extension systems. It is recommended that PROPTA functions be cut back, perhaps by phasing out equipment and animal supply responsibilities and increasing emphasis on monitoring and evaluation, technical research and diagnostics, and information coordination. Construction of the Namiele livestock facility is also a concern. A financial feasibility study of the project is recommended.