Dissemination Workshop of the Study on the "Pro-Poor Initiatives of RSPs: Experiences & Lessons from the Grassroots"

Mr. Raza Ahmad, leading a team from the Pakistan Policy Group, carried out a study for RSPN to document and draw lessons from Rural Support Programmes’ Pro-Poor Initiatives (PPIEs). The study documented 13 PPIEs which focused on improving the quality of life of the poorest. PPIEs included low-cost housing, mother & child healthcare, the Union Council Poverty Reduction Programme and the way in which Local Support Organisations (LSOs) had facilitated the poorest in acquiring government social safety-net schemes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme and the Punjab Chief Minister's Food Stamp programme.

The study found that the RSPs were venturing out into challenging areas such as addressing land issues and bonded labour. Study highlighted that PPIEs in which the direct beneficiaries were involved, had a greater impact. Finally the study drew important policy lessons relating to the importance of social mobilisation, working with government, using improved tools for targeting of the poor, and the relevance of knowledge management. A Policy Brief based on the main study document has been prepared and printed for wider dissemination amongst stakeholders.