Thailand project 493-0271 · 1981–1984

Evaluates project to improve sericulture techniques and raise farmer income in northeast Thailand. Special evaluation covers the period 9/8/76-2/24/81 and is based on site interviews with USAID/I and Royal Thai Government (RTG) personnel and project beneficiaries. Although the project has improved basic infrastructure and exposed farmersto modern sericulture techniques, it is 3 years behind schedule and no output targets are expected to be fully achieved. Stagnant or falling incomes in some settlements have offset the large increases in other areas for an average far short of the goal of a 50% income increase. Only 542 of 1,500 targetted families are participating and silk cocoon production is 21.8% below target. Poor project design and lack of cooperation among the Public Welfare Department (PWD), the Bank of Agricultural Cooperatives (BAC), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MAC) have been the chief problems. Farm cooperatives to provide short-term credit, equipment rental, staff, and markets have not been established. Poorly trained supervisors and extensionists have been unable to recruit a sufficient number of capable farmers or communicate new techniques.

Source: DEC abstract, PD-ABN-504 (1981). The source's own text.