(PDF, 101 mb) - USAID

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The PM&E Grant contributed positively to this re-orientation of
the FFW Program. Nevertheless, the Grant was a weak response to a
very ambitious set of objectives and high expectations.
In the management structure of the CRS FFW Program, there are
two weak links: the consignee link to the project holder; and the
project holder link to the community and the project site. The
primary weakness is the lack of personnel with technical and
development skills, as well as the lack of other complementary
material and cash resources. The program is more effective where
the project holder is a PVO; or where the project holder is a priest
or nun with strong interest in FFW, and understanding of community
development.
Consignees and project holders are able to receive little
program support from CRS Field Reviewers - not only because of the
geographical coverage which is expected of Field Reviewers, but also
because their scope of work is unrealistic given the ratio of Field
Reviewers to consignees and project holders. As it is, they only
have time to "audit" consignee and project holder records, and they
rarely have time to visit project sites.
Recommendations
The CRS FFW Program in India is achieving positive development
results, but there is potential for much greater impact. To this
end, the following recommendations are put forth.
1. A CRS/USAID workshop to review the outcomes of this
evaluation, and to formulate next steps. This workshop
should occur as soon as the new CRS/India Director is in
position.
2. CRS should establish closer links uith Government at the
national, state and local levels to ensure integration
of program planning and implementation. It is
recommended that CRS liaise with GOI at national and
state levels; that local Government technical officers
be included is resource people in training seminars; and
that pssibi]ities be ex:plored for integrating, the
planning and Imp leient atIon of FFW-assisted projects
with local Block l)evelopnent liars.
3. CRS should take more initiative with USAID and other
donors to ensure grea ter resource mobilization for the
FFW Program. Consignees should take more initiative with
Government and other PVOs to do the same.
4. The PM&E System as developed by Community Systems
Foundation should be revitalized.