The SSE Programme - Project review of the Development Fund's Veterinary Assistant Training Programme (VATP)

Abstract

Since 1991 Centre for International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Agricultural University of Norway (AUN) has assisted the Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD) in the management and administration of the Sahel-Sudan-Ethiopia (SSE) Programme. One of the projects in Eritrea, the "Veterinary Assistant Training Programme" (VATP), is implemented by the Development Fund (DF) on the Norwegian side and started off in 1992. Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is responsible for implementation on the Eritrean side. The project is due to finish after graduation of the first batch of students, i.e. autumn 1998. A second phase of the project may be considered by the DF. Hithereto the project has never been reviewed. Therefore, Noragric suggested to undertake such a mission. The issues to be covered are described in the Terms of Reference (ToR) (Annex 1) and include: - an overall view of the implementation and progress - the institutional set-up and sustainability - future prospects Dr. Aragay Waktola and Dr. Arve Lund, Noragric, comprised the review team. A programme was set up in agreement with MoA (Annex 2). Key persons met during the mission are listed in Annex 3. The mission was conducted in the period June 23. - 29. 1997.