Publication Details

New Pathways for the poorest

the graduation model from BRAC

Syed M Hashemi
Wamiw Umaira
2010

Abstract

Most academics and development practitioners recognize that within the ranks of the poor are those at the very bottom who are significantly more resource constrained and who are faced with far severe problems in meeting basic consumption levels. Variously labeled as the “poorest” resource endowments and more restricted livelihood options. They are often chronically food insecure and more vulnerable to health shocks and natural calamities. They have generally failed to benefit from economic policies that have created growth and prosperity for the middle class. They remain socially marginalized and geographically situated in hard to reach areas. Many live in female headed households or are physically unable to work for a living. The great majority are excluded from most development interventions. And even when specific programs target them, they fail to ensure sustainable livelihoods that can provide for food security beyond the duration of the program.

In this paper we explore one specific model, BRAC’s “Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction – Targeting the Ultra Poor (CFPR-TUP)”, that recognized the limits of BRAC’s own poverty focused programs and developed a new strategy designed specifically for the poorest. understanding of extreme poverty and demonstrate its success in combating many of the conventional “poverty traps” and “graduating” many of the poorest out of extreme poverty. But we also show how the process of “graduation” is fraught with challenges, how it is ultimately limited by meso level constraints and how many will always require state level support.

Publication Type(s)

Conference Paper

Ten Years of War Against Poverty Conference Papers

Conference: Ten Years of War Against Poverty

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