EVALUATION


Evaluation of Integrated Wasteland Development Project in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh

Agency: Centre for Advanced Research and Development, Bhopal

Duration: 2002

Area:  Mandla

Sample: Out of 30 micro watersheds in three milli watersheds under IWDP 15 were selected for study. The financial verification was done for all 30 micro watersheds.

Results and major findings

                                i.            The projects were lacking in the area of community organisation. Barring Narayanganj, the other two-mili watersheds did not recognize the importance of this component.

                             ii.            Capacity building of the community was not as compared to the amount spent on that.

                           iii.            The PIA was well represented by various expertises but lacked in female participation in the team and this has reflected in poor performance in organising the women.

                            iv.            The background of PIA reflected in the performance agenda. The forest dept. representative helped in regeneration of wasteland  / Forest development activities, while the Horticulture officer was able to mobilize the community to carry out Horticulture activities.

                              v.            The PIA was well oriented but was unable to unable to transfer the acquired skills / knowledge down under. Similarly the office bearers of watershed committees, who undertook training and exposure visits failed in propagating their learning to fellow villagers. Effective communication strategy was needed here.

                            vi.            Villagers, due to their limitations in understanding the concept of watershed, expected the benefit from the project mainly in the form of wage employment and did not participate in the process.

                          vii.            The PIA used the participatory tools (PRA) effectively for data collection but was not able to use it in the planning process.

                        viii.            The PIA were sound I technical aspects which was evident from their achievement in physical works.

                            ix.            The participation of women was not up to the mark. They lacked decision-making and managerial skills.

                              x.            There was sufficient check in migration during the period when physical works were carried out due to wage employment. But due to short-term nature of the benefits, it would not have much impact I checking migration.

                            xi.            Only a few SHGs were involved in income generating activities while most of them were non functional.