greater good september 2015

BARKAT PROJECTEXPANSION

GreaterGood

The NGO W rldA magazine of

Special Edition / September, 2015

JOINING HANDS TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY FROM RURAL AREAS

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Jaiza Printers, Old Ghalla Mandi, Outside Bohar Gate Multan

Published and Distributed by:

Greater Good House, Chah Jattu Wala,Vehari Road Multan

Editorial Board

Chief Editor: Zafar Iqbal

Muhammad ArshadEditor:

Shakeel Ahmed, Naeem Abbas, Somaira KianiSub-Editors:

Rashid MehmoodDesign & Layout:

RISING POVERTY IN PAKISTAN

ROLE OF LIVESTOCK IN POVERTY ALLEVIATIONS

LIVESTOCK SECTOR MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVE LIVES IN PAKISTAN

BARKAT PROJECT

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

EXPANSION OF BARKAT PROJECT WITH SUPPORT OFTURKISH COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AGENCY (TIKKA)

LAUNCHING CEREMONY PROCEEDINGS

DISTRIBUTION OF AWARDS

COWS HANDING OVER CEREMONY

FIELD VISIT OF TIKA COORDINATOR

BARKAT FUTURE PLAN PROPOSED TO TIKA

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Poverty is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan as every third Pakistani is caught in the ‘poor’ bracket, i.e. some 58.7 million out of a total population of 180 million subsist below the poverty line. These are daunting figures for every Pakistani. According to the report Pakistan Living Standards Measurement (PLSM), survey data have registered a decline in the poverty headcount from 34.5 percent to 12.4 percent in 10 years. Though this indicates a lot of progress towards poverty alleviation, the realities on the ground do not match the conclusions. That is the reason why a technical group has been set up by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms to review the official methodology for poverty estimation and validation of poverty numbers.

According to a , World Development Indicators 2013, 60 percent World Bank reportof Pakistan's population lives below the poverty line. The international poverty line is two dollars a day or an income of Rs 200 per day. The report showed that 21 percent of Pakistan's population lives below $ 1.25 per day, and a larger number lives under two dollars a day. A comparison of regional countries showed that the poverty rate in Sri Lanka and Nepal was significantly less than Pakistan with 23.9 percent and 57.35 percent, respectively.

To be precise, according to , Pakistan’s 45.6 percent population HDR 2014 reportlives below the poverty line in accordance with Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPI).On the basis of 2012-13 data, the MPI shows that in Pakistan 45.6 percent of the population poor while an additional 14.9 percent are near multidimensional poverty. The breadth of deprivation (intensity) in Pakistan, which is the average of deprivation scores experienced by people in multidimensional poverty, is 52.0 percent.

RISING POVERTY IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s progress on achieving the MDGs is disappointing. Reports prepared by national and international bodies show that Pakistan will not be able to reach the MDGs by 2015, as it is short of almost all its targets on the time scale

BARKAT Project Expansion1

Globally demand for meat and milk rose greatly in the last 20 years. It will double in the next 20 years. The extent and scope of the livestock increases are surpassing those of the Green ‘cereals’ Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. This phenomenon has power to affect the economy. It has power to transform the social and physical landscapes of developing countries. It is being called a ‘livestock revo lu t i on ’ . The L i ves tock Revolution could help relieve poverty and hunger worldwide. Livestock contribute to the livelihoods of more than two-thirds (nearly 2.3 billion) of the world’s rural poor and nearly one person in eight depends almost entirely on livestock.

Following aspects of the sector ensures it suitability as tool for poverty alleviation;• Livestock can contribute to the nutritional status and quality of life of people who live on small-

scale farms.• Livestock is the major capital asset of small holder farmers. They reproduce themselves under

even the harshest conditions. • Livestock-keeping empowers women in particular. Women in

developing countries often own livestock, particularly small stock, when they are denied ownership of land.

• If small-holder livestock farmers are encouraged to organize themselves into cooperatives, associations or public groups, it will be helpful to increase meat production and improve its quality as well as to market their surplus produce at appropriate price.

• The most important characteristic of livestock is that, unlike other agricultural products, they ‘are flexible: they can be moved in response to variable rainfall conditions and can be purchased or sold in response to variable market conditions.

ROLE OF LIVESTOCK IN POVERTY ALLEVIATIONS

Livestock livelihood provides pathways out of poverty for millions of poorest

people.

BARKAT Project Expansion 2

LIVESTOCK SECTOR MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVE LIVES IN PAKISTAN


According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics; “Over the years, the livestock sector has emerged as a leading sub-sector of the agriculture sector in Pakistan. It contributed over 11% to the GDP during 2005-06 which is more than the aggregated contribution of entire crop sector (10.3%) of the country. Livestock production is one of the major activities as about 30-35 million people of rural areas are engaged in raising livestock and deriving 30-40 % of their incomes. Besides its importance and share in the national economy, the history of livestock raising is embedded in the rural life since inception of our civilization. It is still a sign of prestige for the people associated with agriculture sector. It is an integral part of socio-economic activities of the rural areas and plays a very supportive role in mitigating the effects of poverty by providing essential items of daily use”.

• To meet the dietary needs of the rural and urban population for milk and meat consumption.• To fulfill the work performance requirements of the farm.• To generate hard cash and accomplish their immediate needs. Being a household activity, women are a special beneficiary of employment in this sub-sector.

It is a major source of nourishment and adds immensely to the health, nutrition and well being of rural as well as urban people.

Small farmers and landless livestock producers derive around 10–25 % of their incomes from this sub‐sector. Efficient and sustainable livestock and crop-livestock production help the Pakistan farmers rise out of poverty

There are three primary purposes of raising livestock:

According to Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)

“Livestock is an important sector in Pakistan’s economy and considered to be a net source of invariable income for rural and middle grade agri-business holders. It can play a major role in poverty alleviation in rural areas of Pakistan,”

BARKAT PROJECT


In view of the importance of livestock in the economy as well as in the life of a common man, The

NGO World has taken initiatives to join hands with the Government trying by all means to fix

priorities to improve the livestock sector that will ultimately contribute to alleviate poverty and

raise living standard of the small livestock farmers living in rural areas of Pakistan.

In July 2012 The NGO World Foundation with support of a Turkish organizations started an

initiative titled as BARKAT Project by distributing 100 cows (heifer) along with provision of animal

health related facilities and awareness. As a result of continuous effort of three years the benefits

of the project to the target community are now visible in shape of milk production and income

generation. People are earning by selling milk and their children are also being fed on this milk.

Beneficiary families (Barkat Partners) are quite satisfied with the intervention and thankful to the

implementing organization and Turkish brothers for providing them the opportunity of livelihood.

Under this project (called as BARKAT Project), The NGO World provides cows (heifer) to the

selected poor livestock farming families by signing a mutual agreement based on specific set of

terms and conditions. For a period of around 2.5 years organization will provide services while

farming family (known as partner) will look after the animal and get benefit out of it mainly in the

form of milk production. After the agreed period animals are sold and profit is divided between the

beneficiary family and implementing organization according to the terms & conditions of agreement

signed. The beneficiary families will enjoy the

benefit and it is expected their living standard

will be improved while the organization will

use the principle amount & profit to target

other poor families to uplift them.

Here it is important to mention that the

organization also gives option to the partner to

keep cow or calf/heifer with him and make it

asset and get more and more benefit out of it.

Initiative of “The NGO World” for Poverty Alleviation through Livestock)

to improve the living standard of target vulnerable deserving

families by using livestock a tool of poverty alleviation.

Overall goal of the project is;

Traditional Reception of Guests:

BARKAT PROJECT It is compulsory part of the project to arrange training sessions on important aspects of better

livestock farming techniques and raising awareness on the related issues.

• Importance of livestock farming on household level and getting maximum benefit out of it• Selection of suitable breeds of animals for household farming• Health issues of the animals and importance of vaccines• Proper feeding of domestic animals• Proper purchase and marketing of animals and their products

Additional support activities will also be part of the project for social development of target families like;• Motivation on sending kids to school• Awareness on Women and children health issues• Sessions on community economic empowerment aspects

During the project cycle close coordination will be maintained with government livestock department and other relevant institutions & departments and organizations for better delivery of services.

STRENGTHS BARKAT PROJECT Following aspects of the project ensures its suitability; • It is self sustainable• It is conventional and well documented initiative• Matches with the nature, values and culture of the rural communities• Community adopts it as a noble profession • Favorable to climate/environment and soil conditions• Easy access to markets • The growth and the profitability is remarkable• Women are engaged with this profession and play an active role in supporting their family

Target Beneficiaries: • Poor women/widows and unemployed youth• Marginalized, landless or small land holding poor families• Households with some chronologically ill family heads

Initially BARKAT project is being implemented in different villages of 05 Union Councils of tehsil kabirwala district Khanewal with plans to expand in other southern districts of Punjab province


Need Assessment Selection of Partners Community Organization

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Tagging of Heifers Handing over of Heifers Extension Services

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Shari’ah Compliant Procedures Monitoring & Evaluation

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PROJECT INTRODUCTION


STRENGTHS OF THE BARKAT PROJECT

Following aspects of the project ensures its suitability; • It is self sustainable• It is conventional and well documented initiative• Matches with the nature, values and culture of the

rural communities• Community adopts it as a noble profession • Favorable to climate/environment and soil conditions• Easy access to markets • The growth and the profitability is remarkable• Women are engaged with this profession and play an

active role in supporting their family

Target Beneficiaries: • Poor women/widows and unemployed youth• Marginalized, landless or small land holding poor

families• Households with some chronologically ill family

heads

Initially BARKAT project is being implemented in different villages of 05 Union Councils of tehsil kabirwala district Khanewal with plans to expand in other southern districts of Punjab province


“BARKAT PROJECT”A shria’ah ertified odel (Mudarabah)c m


• Eminent shari’ah scholar Dr. Tahir Mansoori (currently serving as Vice President HS&R at International Islamic University Islamabad) reviewed the SOPs , legal documents, shari’ah manuals, shari’ah audit report, product structure & process flows of transactions of BARKAT PROJECT and CERTIFIED them in conformity with the injunctions of Shariah.

The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has shown its willingness to conduct Impact Analysis study of BARKAT project so that it can be suggested for replication in other Muslim countries of the world as shari’ah compliant model of poverty alleviation.

OIC will study BARKAT Project

EXPANSION OF BARKAT PROJECTwith support of

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKKA) The NGO World identifies a serious demand from the people of the area to extend the project and support more and more livestock farmers (household level) to get benefit of

stthis initiative. Remarkable outcome of BARKAT Project in Dist. Khanewal (1 phase) encourages us to expand the circle of beneficiaries with support of donors.

stIn 1 phase of expansion Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency(TiKA) Pakistan has extended support to add 90 more families in existing BARKAT Project portfolio

Launching Ceremony August 19, 2015: After successful implementation of pilot phase of BARKAT

Project in 04 UCs of tehsil kabirwala district Khanewal, The NGO World Foundation in collaboration with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) inaugurated expansion of BARKAT Project. In pilot phase 100

heifers were given to selected poor families on partnership basis. In expansion phase 90 more heifers has been delivered to poor and deserving livestock farmers.

Country coordinator of Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency in Pakistan participated the ceremony and handed over heifers (sahiwal cow) to the selected partners.


Guest were received with local cultural performance that was also source of entertainment for the farming community gathered to participate the launching ceremony

Traditional Reception of Guests:

DCO Khanewal Mr. Khalid Mahmood Sheikh was chief guest of the event. District Livestock Officer (DLO) Khanewal, Local activists, BARKAT Partners and local community participated the event. Participants appreciated the efforts of The NGO World Foundation towards poverty alleviation through Islamic micro-finance under BARKAT Project.

Participation:

BARKAT PROJECT



Opening session was started with recitation of the holy Quran followed by welcome speech by Executive director of The NGO World Mr. Zafar Iqbal. In his speech he delivered WELCOME note to the TikA Country Coordinator Pakistan, Chief Guest and other participants. Giving a brief introduction of The NGO World he said.

“ the organization started its journey of humanitarian support and development initiatives in 2010 by responding devastating floods in districts Layya, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, where our operations benefited more than 50,000 affected families in the form of shelter, clean drinking water, school’s rehabilitation, restoration of livelihood and distribution of NFIs. In seasonal programs including Ramadan & Qurbani, every year we have been reaching thousands of underserved families and were able to deliver smiles on their faces by distributing Ration packs and meat gifts.”

Regarding development initiatives in district Khanewal he said. “ The NGO World got registered from Khanewal district so after completing disaster response we focused here to launch some need based innovative initiatives. Our first launching in this regard was establishment of RIDA girls college in mahnisyal along with vocational centers in different villages of the same union council. ZEST is an other program of The NGO World which entertains the out of school children to start their educational journey by opening ZEST non formal schools and awarding scholarships”.

While speaking about the BARKAT project he said. “With grace of Almighty Allah (swt), generous support of donors, professional guidance of partners and 03 year’s untiring effort of project team, we were able to create a Shri’ah Compliant Model of Poverty Alleviation that is on its take off now. I am hopeful that In near future this model will be expanding and replicated on various locations to uplift rural poor community not only in Pakistan but other countries also.

Opening Session:BARKAT PROJECT Launching

Ceremony

Launching CeremonyBARKAT PROJECT

He further said. “For successful execution we enjoyed the valuable input and

coordination from district livestock department especially officials of tehsil kabirwala who remained a phone call away for technical guidance and awareness of our partner farmers:.

st Speaking about the 1 phase of BARKAT expansion he said. “ TiKA Pakistan office is the first respondent who understood the strengths of BARKAT model, its practical viability and realized its urgent need for expansion and decided to add 90 more families in the project portfolio in no time. The NGO World appreciates the quick response from the TikA and thanks for their valuable support for the cause of improving living standard of poor rural communities.

We also extend our gratefulness to our previous Turkish donor Deniz Feneri whose initial support was indeed the driving force to launch the said project in Pakistan”.

About BARKAT replication he said. “The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has agreed to conduct the "impact study" of BARKAT Project. Encouraging results of the study will provide us the ground to implement the model on different locations of the world especially Muslim countries”.

ZEST School Student speaks on Pak-Turk Exemplary Friendship in English


Dr. Haroon Meo (Representative of Government Livestock Department Kabirwala)

Dr. Haroon Meo in his speech said. “ Although I have been involved in various government livestock projects since years but I am forced to say BARKAT project is most productive and useful project I have ever experienced. Project procedures, its reach, connection of project team with community and quality of services being provided and above all commitment of field team with the project is admirable. I feel honor to participate its various sessions of awareness and deliver my experiences to the community for benefit of their livestock. I ensure that I will recommend the government to study this model and replicate in parts of the province”. He also advised the farmers to prepare and enhance use silage as fodder for their livestock because it will be helpful to increase their production and ultimately more beneficial to them.

Imtiaz Ali Asad (local Journalist & Editor Shab o Roz)

Mr. Imtiaz in his speech acknowledged the services of The NGO World for disaster hit people and poor communities of rural Khanewal. He emphasized the government officials especially DCO Khanewal to patronize the quality initiatives of the organization particularly BARKAT PROJECT and extend their support for its expansion and replication so that more and more deserving families of rural Khanewal my get benefits ut of it.


LAUNCHING CEREMONYPROCEEDINGS Speakers

Mr. Mustafa Giray Representative of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TikA) in Pakistan.

Mr. Mustafa in his speech quoted the saying of president of Turkey Honorable Rajab Tayyab Urdogan “we will try to reach to every single person who in need of help regardless of the boundaries” and this is the main motivation behind TikA to work. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Directorate has been operating since its establishment in 1992 and continues to realize projects in five continents, starting in those countries with which we have a shared culture and geography.

He said. “In Pakistan we have started various development initiatives and BARKAT project is one of them. Through this project we aim to reach the needy families and uplift them with this innovative intervention of poverty alleviation. During my visit I met with the selected families and found them satisfied regarding the work we have started in collaboration with The NGO World. I am hopeful this initiative will be staring point of our community service in Khanewal and we will go a long way and contribute to improve the living standard of rural poor families. I am thankful to the local people and authorities for their warm welcome and hospitality.”

Mr. Khalid Mahmood SheikhDistrict Coordination Officer (DCO) Khanewal

Chief Guest of the ceremony DCO Khanewal in his address said. “ Turkey is our brother country and we are proud of the exemplary friendship between the two nations. Pakistan not only acknowledges the Turkish support on government level but also the effort of rehabilitation of our disaster victims by their humanitarian NGOs and general public are also well known to all of us and we appreciate them’”

About BARKAT project he said.

“ This is a noble cause and very close to our culture & values. Our rural communities are associated with this profession since generations. This well documented and tested model is definitely a

Speakers:



DISTRIBUTION OF AWARDS

effective tool of poverty reduction and bringing prosperity among rural families. I appreciate and congratulate The NGO world on this great achievement and thanks the TikA for selecting our district to start a project of community uplift.

He further added. “ I recommend my livestock department to sit with BARKAT PROJECT team and find the opportunities of its strengthening and multiplication of the service”.

BARKAT project team evaluates the response of project community partners in the form of getting maximum output from the cows they are given. Top three best performing livestock farmers were identified and were awarded. This practice initiates the environment of healthy competition among the farmers.

COMMENTS BY Haji Allah Dittah (BARKAT Community Partner

stand winner of 1 prize)

Although we have been getting cows on partnership basis from local landlords since generations but always low quality, under age and without any additional services. In BARKAT project we have been given quality cows with around 02 years of age along with all required services including advice, vaccination, medication, deworming and insemination. BARKAT project team responds on our phone call and deliver their service in graceful manner and keeping our dignity intact. We are quite satisfied with the intervention and enjoying the benefits in the form milk and cash.


In this session honorable guest handed over the heifers to the selected BARKAT partners. Guests congratulated the selected partners and advised them to put their best effort to get maximum benefit out of it and contribute to improve the living standard of their dependants.

BARKAT community partners extended their regards and love towards Turkish guest and BARKAT project team for this act of kindness. They promised to take care of cows allotted to them and avail opportunity of maximum benefits.

SHIELD OF THANKS TO TIKKADCO Khanewal on behalf of The NGO World and district government presented the shield of THANKS to TikA coordinator Pakistan

COWS HANDING OVER CEREMONY


During the field visit TikA coordinator Pakistan;

• Met with the selected BARKAT community partners and assessed the level of their satisfaction about the intervention

• Examined the quality of process of partners selection• Observed the living condition and poverty profile of BARKAT partners• Saw the documentation & records being maintained at community level

Content of his speech shows that he was quiet satisfied with the procedures adopted and quality of field work done by BRAKAT project team particularly true selection community partners and heifers provided.

FIELD VISIT OF TIKA COORDINATOR TikA representative visited the project area along with BARKAT project team and executive Director of The NGO World

BARKAT FUTURE PLAN PROPOSED TO TIKA

Executive director of The NGO World Mr. Zafar Iqbal proposed the TikA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) to join hands to establish a BARKAT RESOURCE CENTER in project area where we will;

• Conduct research on different dimensions of poverty and suggest models to fight against.• Provide livestock services to the farmers on large scale• Provide internship & learning opportunities to the students of agri economics, rural sociology

and livestock.• Manage short courses about livestock sector for the rural youth that will contribute for self

employment.• Test and create different products of Islamic Micro Finance as a tool of poverty alleviation• Design and launch a training program to teach BARKAT model to different actors to replicate it

in their respective target communities


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greater good september 2015

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