Transformation and integration of the provincial agricultural network (TIPAN)

External evaluation covered Phase I of the project (8/84-12/89) and employed a strategic planning methodology aimed at incorporating an activist, future-oriented perspective among NWPAU staff and students. NWPAU is far from achieving sustainability, but many of the preconditions for improvement have been met. Most efforts have focused on internal changes in structures, and, to some extent, processes. During Phase II (1989-94), NWPAU must become more forward- and outward-looking and become more service-oriented while improving its human, physical, and resource base. To achieve this end, staff and administration will need to work together to draw maximum benefit from the new facilities, organizations, procedures, and training developed under Phase I. Two major lessons were learned. (1) The merging of the national research system with NMWPAU is complex and requires careful removal of the inconsistency in grades which may hinder active collaboration between research and campus staffs. (2) Overly optimistic assumptions should not be made regarding the establishment of a sustainable university over 10-year period. A post-1994 Phase II may be necessary.