Policymakers in dilemma due to project duplication

KATHMANDU:

Duplication of poverty alleviation programmes in some of the mid- and far-western projects has put policymakers on the horns of a dilemma, as they are facing difficulty in assessing the impact of every project in improving the livelihood of the poor.

Currently, the Ministry of Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation (MoCPA), Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD), and Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) are running identical programmes on poverty alleviation in districts such as Bajhang, Bajura, Dailekh, Humla, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Rolpa and Rukum.

“Since all the programmes implemented by the three different bodies are related to pulling out people

from the traps of poverty, it is very difficult to determine the role every project played in changing the lives of the poor,” said head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Division at the Ministry of Finance Ram Saran Pudasaini, who, along with officials of the National Planning Commission (NPC), recently visited those districts to monitor implementation of poverty alleviation projects.

Although it could be argued that the government should not be concerned about these issues as long as the country’s overarching goal of rooting out poverty is achieved, Pudasaini explained such a practice may come in the way while trying to replicate successful projects to other parts of the country. “This situation is, thus, creating a dilemma for policymakers,” Pudasaini further said.

Currently, MoCPA is implementing the Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation Project in eight districts in mid- and far-western region. The project, launched in 2003 with the support of the International Fund for Agriculture Development, includes programmes such as small infrastructure development, leasehold forestry, agriculture and livestock, microfinance and institutional development. The projects are currently being implemented in 153 village development committees.

Almost identical projects have also been launched by PAF in the eight districts over the years. To launch the programmes, PAF has roped in over 3,000 community organisations and has invested close to Rs two billion in those districts. “At the same time, MoFALD has also launched its own programmes to eradicate poverty in those districts,” Pudasaini said.

MoCPA joint secretary Suresh Pradhan, however, refuted claims of duplication of projects. “But even if there is any it is the responsibility of the NPC, which frames all development policies, and the MoF, which releases the budget, to take note of these issues and make plans accordingly,” Pradhan said, adding, another way to avoid duplication, if there is any, would be letting the MoCPA take the lead in overseeing implementation of poverty alleviation programmes. Officials of MoFALD and PAF, however, could not be contacted.

Source: THT