CARD: Initiatives

Impact Assessment / Perception Studies

CARD specializes in conducting impact assessment and perception studies using both conventional and innovative research tools. In case of impact assessment studies for the programmes of Central Government the main objectives are to see the implementation of the programme as per the set guidelines, the overall impact of all the programmes on villages in general and on the population below poverty line in particular, the role of the Panchayati Raj institution in programme implementation and the survival of assets created under different schemes. The conventional survey tools are used for such studies but with innovation and adoption.

In case of research studies and perception studies modern tools like Micro Planning and Modified Quantified Participatory Assessment (MQPA) are extensively experimented.

Field Facilitation Initiatives
We are presently active in three experiments:

• Poverty initiatives in areas where there is high incidence of poverty among scheduled castes and backward classes in feudal Malwa region. The CARD team facilitates the process of empowerment of Common Interest Groups (CIGs/SHGs) of marginalized communities in entrepreneurship development / livelihood promotion. To facilitate this the centre is working in partnership with DPIP (World Bank) & Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
• Drought Mitigation experiment on Watershed Management guidelines is intervened in Bhil tribe dominated Jhabua and Dhar districts of Western MP region, which is continuously facing the onslaught of desertification. For the purpose programme is being facilitated under Rajiv Gandhi Watershed Development and Management Mission (MP) & CCF India under its child sponsored programme.
• The eastern region of Madhya Pradesh (Mandla and Dindori districts) is rich in natural resources and inhabited by Gond tribe. Here CARD is actively involved in value addition to the local non-timber forest produce, through the self-help groups. Some of the Technology Management Packages (Honey, Natural Fibre, medicinal plants conservation and food processing) have drawn regional/national recognition. Here we have partnership with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Toyota Foundation (Japan) and UNDP.
• The Centre is also addressing the issue of Good Governance and PACS (a DFID supported programme) is supporting us in this regards.

Capacity Building

• As a Capacity Building Organization CARD has given a new dimension by introducing need based and capacity based training modules. A series of psychological tests, motivational games, and participatory tools along with experience sharing are an integral part of these modules. CARD is associated with World Bank supported DPRP, DPIP in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh for designing, developing and executing Basic training modules. Rajeev Gandhi Watershed Mission, and DRDAs are our other partners. Core capacity building areas are; micro planning, participatory planning, team building & group concept.
• CARD provides grassroots training and infield handholding on group based participatory livelihood promotion enterprises. It specialists in dissemination of rural technologies.

Policy Planning & Policy Advocacy

• Policy Planning is a new area of expertise where in CARD has just made a beginning with Livestock Sector Review and Policy Development Process under SDC-IC-CALPI Programme in Chhattisgarh state. The policy development initiative focuses on Capacity Development in Human and Institutional Development by Training and Exposure with particular emphasis on key stakeholders who are participants in the Sector Review and Policy Development process. The assignment aims at producing Sector study/ Situation analysis of the Livestock Sector in Chhattisgarh and Development of a Perspective Livestock Development plan along with the new Policy Document.
• CARD is addressing the issue of Governance under the Poorest Areas Civil Societies Initiative in a selected village cluster in eastern region. The organization is committed to empower the local communities in accessing the development programmes of the Government.