The Puebla Project: seven years of experience, 1967-1973

Abstract

This report documents the first seven years of the Puebla Project - its philosophy, objectives, organization, operation and accomplishments. It was prepared by staff members and advisors, most of whom have been associated with the Project since its beginning. In analysing progress during these initial years, this report reflects the Project's multidisciplinary team approach. An introductory section states Project objectives, initial conceptualization, and the prerequisites for locating the Project area. The characteristics of the area - its land and people - are described next, followed by an overview of the evolvement of Project operations from 1967 to 1973. Chapters 3 and 4 detail the methodologies, field operations, and accomplishments of the maize research programs; Chapters 5 and 8 describe the methodologies and field operations of the technical assistance and evaluation programs. Subsequent discussion (Chapters 6,7,9,10) provides an examination of Project activities in organizing farmers, improving the operations of service institutions, persuading farmers to adopt new technology, increasing maize yields, and improving the general well-being of the farmers. The benefits attributable to the Project are compared with costs in Chapter 11. The Puebla Project's role in getting similar programs underway in other parts of Mexico and other countries is outlined in Chapters 12 and 13. In its final chapter (14), the report seeks to summarize what has been learned about the organization and operations of successful regional agricultural development projects. In terms of the Project's long-term goals, the operations at present are seen to be in mid-process, with contributions already extending far beyond the Puebla Valley. The initial focus on increased maize production has widened, as originally envisioned, to encompass the broader development objectives of increased net income, greater employment opportunities, and improved general welfare of rural families. During the period covered by this report, from 1967 though 1973, the Project was administered by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and operated jointly by that institution and members of the Chapingo Graduate College. In early 1974, responsibility for the Project passed to the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture where it is presently being operated by the Chapingo Graduate College. Members of the CIMMYT staff who were functioning as advisors to the Project in 1973 have moved to the Graduate College where they are continuing their advisory role to the Project and are participating in academic programs to train people in new approaches to increasing crop production and improving the quality of life in disadvantage rural areas.