IT-related project components need extra attention from ADB in small, remote countries with low capacity. From the start, the IT components for the land management administrations and FSMDB were not properly scoped and resourced. They did not adequately consider the limited capacity of internal IT departments and local IT providers. They also failed to address such related problems as the need to provide implementation support throughout the first year of operation. Although project records are patchy and likely do not reflect the full extent of ADB’s involvement, it appears that ADB relied on short-term consultants to determine IT systems and software requirements and to supervise software and hardware providers. Given the lack of specialized staff expertise in the Regional Department, the complexity of these project components, and the low capacity within the supported agencies, proactive consultation with ADB’s Office of Information Systems and Technology during the project design phase might have resulted in more appropriate IT solutions. Also useful could have been to provide specialized IT expertise within the PIU, more proactive follow-up during implementation to check the functionality of procured hardware and software, and special arrangements for post-implementation support. Furthermore, it would be helpful if the Regional and Sustainable Development Department together with the Office of Information Systems and Technology can collect and disseminate information about experience across ADB with relevant IT applications. While IT projects can be particularly useful for small, remote economies, inherent IT capacity issues need to be proactively addressed.
Federated States of Micronesia: Private Sector Development Program