Nicholas Maddock

Agriculture after socialism The transformation and development of Lithuanian agriculture

Abstract The restructuring of agriculture in Lithuania has been highly experimental. The changes have included restoring farmland to its former owners, removing price controls and subsidies and privatising agroprocessing and distribution. At the same time, economic links between the Republics of the former Soviet Union have been broken. These factors have lead to a difficult period for Lithuanian agriculture which has been manifest in sharp falls in production and exports. While these effects may be short term, there is evidence that the creation of small and fragmented farms may inhibit the modernisation and development of the agricultural sector.

Private agriculture in Eastern Europe

Abstract Land privatization is central to the agricultural reforms in the former socialist countries of Eastern Europe, and its objective is the creation of a sector based on private production. However, it is being constrained by a number of factors. The new farms are small and fragmented, with the result that mechanized farming will be difficult and farm incomes low. The production environment is unfavourable and there is a shortage of credit. Delays in creating extension services mean that the new farmers do not have access to advice on production and business management. Measures are required to correct the negative effects of land reform and provide an environment conducive to agricultural production.

Has project monitoring and evaluation worked

Most agricultural and rural development projects now include financial provision for monitoring and evaluation (M&E). These are expensive activities yet there has been little analysis of whether they provide value for money. A rather negative view of M&E has emerged but, in practice, assessment of their contribution to project implementation and future project design presents a number of methodological problems. There is evidence, however, that some factors limit the impact of M&E, including unachievable objectives, ineffective reporting methods and poor timeliness. Despite this, continuing commitment to M&E suggests that benefits are being realised from its application.

On the monitoring and evaluation of agricultural development projects

Abstract Some recent writings on monitoring and evaluation (M & E) are reviewed. Reasons why common definitions of M & E have yet to be agreed are discussed, and it is suggested that recently proposed definitions clarify the fundamental objectives of the exercise and should find general acceptance. Proposals for improvements in the methodology of M & E are examined. It is concluded that, while the development of a more general methodology of monitoring is desirable, Critical Path Methods pose operational difficulties and are generally only suitable for monitoring project implementation. More attention to aspects of the commissioning and organisation of monitoring is thought to be important in order to stress the orientation of monitoring towards project management. It is further concluded that, while the methodology of evaluation is relatively well developed, greater attention to ways of disseminating the findings is desirable.

Privatizing agriculture: Policy options in developing countries

Abstract This paper examines the background to, and options for, privatization of state-owned enterprises in the agricultural sector in developing countries. It identifies areas of the sector where privatization is feasible and those likely to remain under government control. It is concluded that, while there is some scope for privatization, it is unlikely to be as extensive as in other sectors since much of the production is already in private hands, there is limited capacity to pay for services and the capability of the private sector is currently low.

Facts for planning rural development: Some lessons in the administration of data collection from Malawi

Abstract Despite the collection of large amounts of information intended as a basis for planning the National Rural Development Programme in Malawi, utilisation of the information has been less than expected and complaints have been voiced by users about its relevance and timeliness. Factors giving rise to these problems are identified as difficulties in synchronising baseline surveys with project preparation and lack of consultation between data gatherers and users about the type and form of information required for project preparation. Proposals are made for instituting a formal system of dialogue between planners and data gatherers in order to integrate the two parts of the planning process. Proposals are also made for extending the dialogue to other functional units of the Ministry of Agriculture and to other ministries and bodies concerned with the planning, management and administration of rural development.

EC enlargement and the Mediterranean Associates

Abstract EC enlargement has potentially serious consequences for those Mediterranean countries linked to the community by Association Agreements. The accession of Spain seems likely to result in reduced demand for imports of fruit and vegetables from outside the EC. In addition the competitiveness of Spanish produce should benefit from the removal of tariffs and other forms of protection. These events are likely to be of particular concern to those Associates planning increased exports of agricultural produce to the community.

Monitoring systems for public investment programmes in transitional economies

The design and operation of monitoring systems for public investment programmes in transitional economies are examined, using the systems for the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Public Investment Programmes as examples. Criteria influencing system design are reviewed and information users and their needs are identified. Factors affecting the performance of monitoring systems for public investment programmes are considered, as are the special features of transitional economics which influence system design and operation.

Towards a new Mediterranean policy for the EC: Options and constraints

Abstract The Mediterranean Associates (non-EC Mediterranean countries with preferential trading agreements with the Communities) seem likely to suffer considerable disadvantage from the accession of Spain and Portugal to the EC. Spain is a major exporter of fruit and vegetables and has recently become the ECs major supplier of imported fruit and vegetables. Through EC membership, tariffs and other forms of protection against Spanish produce will be removed to give Spain further competitive advantage in EC markets. The ECs increased self sufficiency will inevitably mean poorer marketing opportunities within the EC for non-EC suppliers. These factors, along with the static (or only slowly increasing) demand for imported fruit and vegetables, seem to point to worsening trading conditions for the Mediterranean Associates within the Communities.