Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS)
Review of Social Empowerment
Partner/Client
Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS)
Sector
NGO
Location
Uttar Pradesh
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Persons with disabilities were equipped through rehabilitation plans.
- Farmers, including farmers with disabilities, were trained and equipped with organic farming systems.
- Disability inclusive Farmer Producer Organisations (IFPOs) were established and strengthened.
- Market chains were developed to access formal markets.
Midterm Evaluation of disability-inclusive organic farming for sustainable economic development of vulnerable farmers in Uttar Pradesh
The mid-term evaluation of the second phase of the programme focused on assessing the impact created for the social empowerment of persons with disabilities. The objective was to review the activities and implementation of the programme between 2016 and 2018.
The key findings of the study pointed to the social empowerment of persons with disabilities at the following levels:
- Improved skills and knowledge in organic farming and allied agriculture activities contributed to a sense of capability and being knowledgeable for the beneficiaries.
- First-time engagement in productive employment provided a sense of contribution and overall support to the family for the persons with disabilities.
- Participation in Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) contributed to a sense of inclusion and involvement in the community.
- Access to healthcare resulted in improved mobility for the persons with disabilities associated with the programme.
- Access to schemes, other rights, and entitlements that persons with disabilities can avail, strengthened their overall social security.
RESEARCH TOOLS
01. Structured survey
02. Interview and observation assessment
03. In-depth interview for case study development
APPROACH
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach for programme evaluation. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary stakeholders i.e. persons with disabilities and their families to ensure validation and triangulation of findings. For quantitative input, a structured survey tool was developed for the beneficiaries of the programme. For the qualitative input, in-depth interviews with selected beneficiaries using a semi-structured schedule were conducted to provide case study analysis. Qualitative inputs were used for three main reasons:
- to substantiate the quantitative data drawn
- to compensate for the limitations of a survey design
- to provide an individualised understanding of how the programme initiative is impacting the beneficiaries.
