People are often very rude about ‘big push’ approaches to development – the idea that you can kickstart a country (or a millennium village) by simultaneously shoving in piles of different projects, technical assistance and cash. The approach hasn’t got a great track record, but now a kind of micro Big Push, targeting the ‘ultra poor’ in a range of countries, is showing some really promising results.
This month, the results from six randomised control trials (RCTs), published in Science magazine highlighted a model of development that is an adaptable and exportable solution able to raise households from the worst forms of destitution and put them onto a pathway of self-reliance. The graduation approach – financial services integrated within a broader set of wrap-around services – is gaining steady recognition for its astonishing ability to transform the lives of the poorest.
The following was originally posted on the CGAP Graduation blog by Janet Heisey, Director of the Asia Program at Trickle Up. The research paper “And Who Listens to the Poor? Shocks, Stresses and Safety Nets in India and Pakistan” by Karishma Huda, Sandeep Kaur and Nicolina Lamhauge, offers an interesting framework for qualitative evaluation of livelihood programs, such as those we implement at Trickle Up. It posed and answered some interesting questions: what keeps extremely poor people trapped in cycles of deprivation? Does the Graduation Program address these constraints? How can programs allocate resources to ensure that the maximum number of participants succeed?
A couple of weeks ago, BRAC USA President & CEO Susan Davis moderated a panel of researchers and practitioners providing resources to the “ultra poor” – women who are too poor to be able to take advantage of microfinance loans – at the Microfinance Impact and Innovation Conference.
The following article was written by Shaheen Mahmud & Leda Isis Tyrrel of AusAID Bangladesh and published in the Feb-May 2010 issue of Focus.We leave the city in the early morning. The air is already thick and hot. As the city recedes the roads become smaller. Vibrant green rice paddies line either side. Rickshaws and carts stacked high with goods are pushed to market. After a couple of hours we stop and refuel with sweet tea and biscuits.
BRAC University Development Institute (BDI) and CGAP arranged a meeting of staff from the three ultra poor pilot programs that have been the most advanced in “graduating” members. The meeting provided a platform for the pilots so that they could share their experiences, draw lessons from each other and determine next steps.
For those who are too poor even to benefit from microfinance loans, BRAC has a special program providing the ultra poor with a pathway out of poverty. Instead of giving these women loans, BRAC gives them assets: a cow, chickens, seeds, fabric for sewing, etc. depending on the livelihood they want to pursue. We provide them with training and extra support, like feed and vaccinations, and visit them every week to check on the progress of their new business and make sure they’re able to meet their basic needs.
Regular coaching and mentorship is one of the cornerstones of BRAC’s Graduation approach. In times of crises, coaching plays an even greater role in ensuring that households living in extreme poverty have the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.
“Coaching done well may be the most effective intervention designed for human performance.” – Atul Gawande
As countries emerge from various phases of lockdowns, the key goal at this time is to ensure the continued safety and security of people as they return to the market as producers, vendors, and consumers.
The number of cases of COVID-19 in Bangladesh is exponentially rising. Lockdown continues. BRAC has completed the first phase of providing cash support to 100,000 families. The second phase started on 15 April with the aim of reaching 100,000 more families.
Read the latest on the situation in Bangladesh and BRAC’s response.
I always thought that home is the safest place. Until I visited Amena’s home.
Jhorna Islam is somewhat of a local celebrity in Tongi, Duttapara. While there are many clothing shops in the area, the uniqueness of her designs stand out, and the quality of the cutting and material used is noticeably high.