Estimating the Impacts of Livelihood Support Interventions on Poverty Reduction in Rural Balochistan

Abstract

The study evaluates the impacts of livelihood intervention programs implemented by the Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) on poverty reduction in Balochistan. The estimation of livelihood impacts is gauged through several indicators, including the Income Generating Grant (IGG), Community Investment Fund (CIF), and Skill Development (TVET). To this end, data from 1500 households segregated into 950 IGG, 250 CIF, and 300 TVET are selected using a two-stage stratified sampling technique in 8 selected districts of Balochistan. This study mainly adopted mixed research approaches, including the descriptive analysis of the data to reflect the role of these interventions in poverty reduction in Balochistan. In addition, Poverty Score Cards (PSC) values have been used to determine the poverty levels. After implementing livelihood support intervention, it was obtained that Households (HHs) monthly income of IGG, CIF, and TVET beneficiaries increased by 17%, 20%, and 39%, respectively, on average. The meaningful tabulation of livelihood interventions positively impacts multifaceted aspects of rural HHs. The results also give evidence of employment generation and income-earning prospects in rural Balochistan. The results also show that gender equality and support for women's empowerment are positively changed in rural Balochistan. Therefore, the tabulated results of community and HHs’ specific funding programs and human capital formation via skills provisions to ultra-poor and poor rural people justify Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE) as a livelihood support initiative for poverty reduction in rural Balochistan. The government and non-government organizations (NGOs) may get insightful policy interventions from this study to bring effective socioeconomic development in rural Balochistan.