SKS Ultra Poor Pilot Mid-term Evaluation: Summary Findings

This report presents a mid-term evaluation of the Ultra Poor Program (UPP) by the Swayam Krishi Sangam (SKS) Foundation in rural Andhra Pradesh, India.

The program aims to bring ultra-poor women to a point where they can use their existing savings and assets base to grow and diversify their capital base, and potentially access microfinance. Findings from the evaluation include:

• Targeting strategy and methodology have been effective;
• Distribution of the cash stipend on a needs basis is cost-effective and prevents problems of dependency;
• Members have developed a strong saving habit;
• Weekly group meetings enhance social capital among members;
• SKS has encouraged members to pay for their health expenses;
• Financial education has helped members manage and plan for current and future expenditures;
• Graduation strategy has helped members identified as '‘slow climbers' to catch up with others with additional support.

The evaluation recommends conducting rural appraisals in smaller groups, combining a long-term asset with a viable short-term source of income, additional household visits for members who need individualized support and the creation of an emergency health fund to scale up the program.

Read the full evaluation: Mid-Term (12 Month) SKS Ultra Poor Process Evaluation