External evaluation of farming systems and environmental studies (FSES) project

Abstract

The external evaluation of FSES took place during the period May 4-10, 1997. The report produced was based on field visits to the two sites where FSES concentrates its activities, on reviewing the written materials produced by the project, and on discussions with DAE personnel and FSES staff. The overall conclusion of the evaluation team was very positive. FSES has been very productive, the leadership is sound, and the staff are hard working and very committed to what they are doing. The brevity of the mission precluded a detailed review of all the 503 activities implemented during the 1991-1996 period. Given the time constraints and the positive overall assessment of the project, the evaluation team decided to concentrate on a number of strategic areas viewed as important by FSES staff or by the team itself in improving the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of FSES activities in the future. A number of recommendations and suggestions have been made with respect to these different areas.