Orissa Tribal Empowerment & Livelihood Programme: Impact Assessment

Abstract

OTELP implementation in Odisha took place in 3 phases. The Phase I of the programme was completed in 2007. The implementation of Phase II started from 2008 based on the recommendations of the Phase I Mid Term Review Mission conducted during September, 2006. Phase III of implementation began from April 2011 till March 2013. Subsequently, basing upon the delay in introduction of the programme in Phase II districts, the programme was further extended to 31st March, 2014. The programme is now under active consideration for extension till December, 2016 keeping in view of the additional top up assistance by IFAD. The programme adopts strategic participatory approach among all stakeholders. Communities are considered as the primary stakeholders who are facilitated by the FNGOs followed by technical backstopping from ITDA & PSU. The programme basically aims upon GO & NGO partnership mode for adding synergetic effect in order to work jointly for enhancing the capacity of the communities to take up sustainable livelihood activities. The food security for the tribal poor, which used to be for about 4 to 6 months per year, has improved due to direct intervention in creating wage employment opportunities and providing food in shape of grains as part of the wage, which directly impacts the food availability at the household level. Besides, efforts have been made for improving the production system at the village level in promoting sustainable agriculture, trying out innovations in Aquaculture, and improving the quality of life through community infrastructure and development initiatives. An impact study was undertaken in 2015 to assess the impact of the programme in the empowerment- Livelihood-policy framework; to assess the lessons, gaps and opportunities and to assess the sustainability of the outcomes/impacts. To understand the impact of the project, 2011 was taken as the base year and findings were contrasted with the 2014 findings for appreciation of the changes on the ground. The consideration of the base year is 2011 as it is difficult to establish a correct recall beyond five years. It must be taken in to account that the number of OTELP beneficiaries went up by 450 % from 198 in 2011 to 900 in 2014. However the variables remaining same, analyses have been expressed in terms of percentage for better appreciation. The comparison of the results indicate that there are positive shifts and 100% satisfaction of beneficiaries- from moderately satisfied to very satisfied, signifying the positive impact of the programme over the life of the people.