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were demarcated and groups Introduced by<sup>their same gender agent to the agent</sup> taking over the rea. After this temporary measure, both male and female agents are able to work .th any group.

Experience showed that gender targeting<sup>was unnecessary where group</sup> cohesion was already strong and where groups,<sup>particularly</sup> women's groups, had been the focus of previous community or coopera<sup>Ave development efforts. With</sup> new or poorly cohesive grotps, a preliminary "pr,-extension' phase concentrating on group rationale, dynamics and process was a required<sup>first step.</sup>

# The use of monitoring and evaluation in modifying<sup>aporoaches</sup>

The PAFSAT (Promotion of an Adapted Farming<sup>System ba-ed on Animal</sup> Traction) component illustrates the effect of monitoring<sup>and evaluation on the</sup> evolution of an intervention. Initially,<sup>the program selected and trained only</sup> male farmers. After evaluation, training was redirected<sup>to farming couples and</sup> a separate women's program that focused exclusively<sup>on uniquely women's</sup> activities (kitchen gardens and cooking) was created.<sup>A subsequent evaluation</sup> encouraged the program to retain the special<sup>program targeting womer.</sup> but to integrate women more fully into core activities.<sup>As a result, groups are being</sup> used as a means of introducing women to the unfamiliar<sup>technology of animal</sup> traction; farming couples are defined as any two<sup>members of the same household</sup> regardless of gender; the length of the residential training has been shortened; and the women's program has been expanded to<sup>include trouble shooting and</sup> monitoring and evaluation, and to provide specialized training and encouragement to women's groups.

Thus the program has evolved from neglecting<sup>women, through segregated</sup> activities to a hybrid which is largely integrated<sup>but retains a specialized</sup> women's focus.

# The success in reaching women farmers

MIDENO's innovative strategies have benefited women farmers. A 1987 survey of 402 men and 148 women farmers revealed that<sup>all could correctly identify the</sup> name of their VEW. For every fooa crop-related indicator,<sup>a higher rcentage</sup> o.f women than men had received advice. For maize,<sup>advice had been re-dived by</sup> 92 percent of women farmers, of whom 99 percent had<sup>adopted and 92 percent of</sup> adopters had increased yields. Recent estimates<sup>show that fvll-adopters</sup> attain a marginal increase of 1.5 tons/hectare, or an increased income of about F CFA 70,000 (US$ 233) per hectare, throughout the<sup>province. Coinciding with this</sup> increased efficiency in reaching women farmers<sup>have been improved road access</sup> to markezs and a decline in coffee and cocoa<sup>prices. The increased production</sup> and expanding commercialization of food crops, which now provide more cash income than traditional cash crops, has increased women's<sup>income.</sup> Literature on women farmers consistently recommends that extension focus simultaneously on small farmers, on redressing<sup>male orientation and on</sup> recognizing the roles that women play in society<sup>that may affect their response</sup> to particularly strategies or packages. Adherence to these principals<sup>explains</sup> the success of MIDENO's strategies. MIDENO's<sup>task was simplified by a good</sup> knowledge of the agricultural and social environment and an explicit targeting