Tribal areas development project

The evaluation covered the period from 1982-11/85 and was based on document review, site visits, and interviews with GOP and USAID personnel. Implementation difficulties and delays have put the project more than 2 years behind schedule. Many of the problems have been due to a lack of trained personnel and required equipment at the implementing agencies, namely, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Development-Corporation; the Departments of Communication and Works, Local Government and Rural Development, and Planning and Development; and the Ministry of States and Frontier Affairs. These problems have been compounded by the non-cooperative attitude of the local population and the inaccessibility of project sites. TA has been insufficient to transfer technology to the implementing agencies, and subproject activities have not been well designed or planned. Also, a disproportionate amount of project resources has been spent on construction. USAID/P"s project management and procedures have constrained its ability to rapidly pursue project goals and purposes. For example, the project agreement requires a separate GOP funding document for each expenditure, thus reducing USAID/P"s flexibility to directly contract for commodities and services. A key lesson learned, and one which can be applied to a similar A.I.D. project in Baluchistan, is that USAID/P must take into account the special "territory", the capability of implementing agencies, and the unique characteristics of the local population before undertaking any project. A major refocusing of the project is suggested. Recommendations to this end include, inter alia: revising the project"s institutional arrangements; providing TA and training to the implementing agencies; using architectural and engineering firms to assist in design upgrading, training programs, and field practica; revising funding arrangements; and considering forestry, agriculture, and other non-infrastructure development activities. If the project is not redesigned, remaining funds should be deobligated.