Evaluation of the USAID-Kosovo SME and Agriculture - Economic ...

Development Associates, Inc.Weaknesses?The project’s major weakness is the inability to affect the fiscal policies that increase the costs ofimported feed ingredients by 30% or more. It is not clear how the agriculture sector is going beable to influence the policy apparatus but it will require a stronger effort than has been mountedso far.Major constraints of agriculture sector as viewed by USAID in 2000Absence of market system for agro-inputsNo established system for technology transfer to farmersUnfavorable policies and regulatory frameworkLack of credit for producers and processorsWeak or non-existent trade associations or producer associations to take the lead inagriculture changeWere activities well coordinated with other donors and other USAID projects and focused onachieving mutually agreed objectives?The IFDC project cooperated with KBS, Catholic Organization Relief and Development(CORDAID), European Union Agricultural Bank, American Bank of Kosovo (ABK), EAR,Crown Agents, UN/MIK and several government agencies. The project utilized valuableresources from a number or organizations to strengthen the program. It is axiomatic indevelopment that one cannot operate effectively in a major economic sub-sector without thecooperation and collaboration of many other organizations. IFDC clearly recognizes that andcarries out its business accordingly.IMPACTWhat are the greatest accomplishments from these activities?Probably the most important accomplishments of KADP are the establishment of the associationsof farmers and agribusiness. Bringing together of many members who can collectively addressproblems and advocate for policy reforms is always a stronger model than many individualsacting alone and separately. The associations give muscle to the agriculture sector that can besustained for years, providing economic and political leadership. Introduction of improvedtechnologies are also important and KADP has accomplished major in establishing newproduction practices, improve seed and fertilizer for feed crops and high producing layer breedsfor the poultry houses.How have the activities contributed to income generation and job creation?The participating poultry producers increased incomes by an average of 23% according to IFDCand verified by an independent company survey commissioned by the evaluation team.Employment on participating poultry farms increased approximately 18% and at processors by areported 32%.Evaluation of the USAID/Kosovo SME 86 May 2004and Agriculture/Agribusiness ProgramsVolume I