MEASUREMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS OF BARANI AREAS PROJECT (SLBAP)

Abstract

The authors evaluated a complex donor funded project titled “Sustainable Livelihood in Barani Areas Project (SLBAP)” to measure its socio-economic impact. Project was initiated in 2005 with a costs of Rs. 3516 million (US$ 58.6) with the help of Asian Development Bank (ADB) with an objective to alleviate poverty in Barani areas of Punjab. Project was complex in nature with a large number of participants & beneficiaries, implemented in 10 Barani districts, with a variety of components including medium scale intervention (MSI), small scale intervention (SSI), Skill development, Microfinance and literacy along with beneficiary share & participation. Project was implemented by Project Management Unit (PMU), Agency for Barani Area Development (ABAD) along with participation of ten different government agencies in its execution. For impact assessment, a very comprehensive methodology was designed to thoroughly evaluate its socio economic change on beneficiaries and general public of the area. Results and recommendations are drawn accordingly and shared in the last section of this paper which may be used for policy planning and decision making in the Province.