Gaibandha Food Security Project for Ultra Poor Women (GFSUPW)

1. EUROPEAN UNION Gaibandha Food Security Project for Ultra Poor Women (GFSUPW) Experience Sharing on Asset Transfer Implemented by: and partners

2. Content of the presentation • Needs assessment • Training and refresher • Asset procurement and asset transfer • Asset management and tracking • Learning from assets transfer • Challenges

3. Needs assessment • Needs assessment was done with all beneficiaries, and IGAs were chosen according to the individual beneficiary potential and capacity • Cost / benefit analysis of different IGAs were discussed with the beneficiaries so that they could choose feasible IGAs • Beneficiaries were encouraged to choose one quick returnable low cost IGA and one longer term higher cost IGA. • Seasonal influences and the local context was considered in choosing the IGAs. • Both on farm and off farm IGAs were considered • All beneficiaries were encouraged to start homestead gardening and tree planting for nutritional improvement, but seeds and tree saplings are only given according to their circumstances.

4. Needs assessment

5. Training and refresher • For all training, training modules have been developed on the basis of available material in the implementing organizations. • IGA training is conducted with the help of government line departments • Most of the training is conducted at union level • Different visual materials like flipchart and videos are used in the training • After training and asset transfer, refresher training courses are arranged for involved beneficiaries. • Pre-tests and post-tests are done for every training • Practical sessions are arranged in the training • For technical IGAs like tailoring and embroidery long term supervision is organized

6. Training picture

7. Asset procurement and transfer procedure • An “Asset transfer guideline” was developed • Beneficiaries are involved in the asset procurement process • Most of the assets are procured from local markets • Decentralized procurement system is used • Beneficiaries are asked to sign a written agreement • An asset transfer database is maintained • The project uses a monthly asset procurement and distribution plan

8. Asset transfer

9. Asset management and tracking • An “Asset management follow up guideline” was developed • At group level, asset management and monitoring committees are formed • An “Asset management tracking card” was introduced and income and expenditure per IGA is recorded • Asset multiplication among the group is taking place • A rigorous monitoring system is developed for asset management and output observation • The asset tracking system is developed to fulfill information needs at all levels in the organization.

10. Learning from asset transfer • We don’t provide cash grants but transfer assets as we believe this enhances the quality of the assets, especially because they are involved in the procurement procedure. Being involved in the procurement process beneficiaries can make their own choice, bargain and know the market price and procedure that helps them to build their understanding and capacity as well as feel ownership. • We did not provide subsistence allowance because every beneficiary has her own coping mechanism. We are trying to enhance her existing capacity and generate additional income from IGA.

11. Learnings from asset transfer • Cows and goats take time for its return on investment so beneficiaries do not get benefit from it quickly. For quick return we are providing them homestead gardening, poultry and handicrafts. • Sharing offspring of cows and goats within the group is positively accepted by the beneficiaries • Institutional training of tailors is expensive and needs a lot of time investment that is why we started on the job tailoring training connecting beneficiaries with a tailor shop. • Tailoring and other handicrafts need on the training income and close supervision and marketing of the products so that beneficiaries can earn with in a short period.

12. Learnings from asset transfer • Before conducting handicraft IGAs it is necessary to network with market stakeholders and provide subsidy to overcome initial lack in quality of the products made by the beneficiaries. • Depending on the seasonal influences additional low cost quick returnable IGAs should be provided to the beneficiaries for their daily needs. • For beneficiaries with disability (PWD) specific IGAs are determined which can be operated by her or her family member • Though homestead gardening is not an IGA beneficiaries are getting income from their gardens. However for homestead gardening of ultra poor women advocacy is needed with local land owners to provide them with land for cultivation. Road side cultivation and collective cultivation are alternatives.

13. Challenges • To determine IGAs for beggars and seasonal migrating families. • Procurement of disease free livestock and poultry and to prevent disease related mortality. • Procurement of heifer in calf (Pregnant cow). • Minimize the variance of asset price between different IGA packages. • Develop effective networks between beneficiaries and buyers to sell their produces.

14. THANK YOU