Assignment Name: Baseline Study of the Improving the Lives of Urban Extreme Poor (ILUEP) Program

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: Concern Worldwide

The “Baseline Study of Improving the Lives of Urban Extreme Poor (ILUEP) Program” was a foundational study conducted to establish baseline data for a five-year initiative aimed at transforming the lives of urban extreme poor populations in Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporations. The ILUEP program, funded by Irish Aid and implemented by Concern Worldwide, focused on enhancing livelihood security, reducing malnutrition, promoting gender equality, improving access to basic services, and reducing violence against women and girls.

The survey specifically targeted extreme poor populations residing in slums, squatter settlements, and pavements, aiming to capture a comprehensive understanding of their socio-economic conditions, vulnerabilities, and access to services. It aligned with the program’s six outcomes, including increased household income, improved nutrition and health practices, enhanced gender equity, and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

This baseline survey served as a critical benchmark to evaluate program impact over time. It examined multiple dimensions of poverty, including access to water, sanitation, health care, education, and income-generating activities (IGA). The study also highlighted vulnerabilities related to eviction threats, gender-based violence, and children’s nutrition, offering actionable insights for programmatic interventions.

Key objectives included:

• Establishing baseline values for 23 program indicators.
• Identifying gaps in access to essential services and barriers to sustainable livelihoods.
• Providing recommendations for targeted interventions to improve the lives of the urban extreme poor.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative household surveys with qualitative tools such as Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). It involved 513 households across the two cities and culminated in a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by the urban extreme poor.

DM WATCH’s role in the ILUEP baseline study included the comprehensive planning and execution of the project. The team’s responsibilities encompassed:

Inception and Planning:

• Conducted an inception meeting with Concern Worldwide to finalize survey objectives, methodologies, and deliverables.
• Reviewed program documents, including the Country Strategic Plan (CSP 2016–2020), project results framework, and contextual analysis, to ensure alignment with program goals.

Survey Design and Methodology Development:

• Designed a robust mixed-methods framework, combining quantitative household surveys and qualitative tools such as Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
• Developed and field-tested Digital Data Gathering (DDG) tools for use with handheld devices, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in data collection.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Trained enumerators and supervisors on DDG tools, data collection protocols, and ethical considerations, with a focus on capturing gender-disaggregated data.
• Facilitated interactive training sessions to improve the capacity of data collectors in handling sensitive topics such as gender-based violence (GBV) and eviction threats.

Primary Data Collection:

• Conducted household surveys across 37 wards in Dhaka and Chittagong, covering 513 households.
• Facilitated FGDs with diverse groups, including women, youth, and community leaders, to understand their challenges, perceptions, and priorities.
• Conducted KIIs with stakeholders such as city corporation officials, healthcare providers, and local NGO representatives to triangulate findings.

Sector-Specific Assessments:

• Assessed livelihood challenges, including income generation opportunities, savings patterns, and barriers to accessing financial services.
• Evaluated access to basic services, including water, sanitation, healthcare, and education, with a focus on identifying gaps and systemic barriers.
• Investigated gender disparities and experiences of GBV, including women’s participation in household decision-making and access to support systems.

Data Analysis and Synthesis:

• Conducted statistical analysis of quantitative data to calculate baseline indicators for the program’s results framework.
• Performed thematic analysis of qualitative data to enrich the understanding of socio-economic vulnerabilities and community needs.
• Synthesized data into a comprehensive narrative, integrating insights across all six program outcomes.

GIS Mapping:

• Created GIS-based maps to visualize the spatial distribution of urban extreme poor populations and their access to services.
• Identified high-priority areas for targeted interventions based on geographic and demographic trends.

Report Preparation and Recommendations:

• Delivered a high-quality baseline report, including: i) Detailed findings for each program outcome; ii) Disaggregated data by gender, type of settlement (slum, squatter, pavement), and socio-economic variables; and iii) Evidence-based recommendations for designing targeted interventions to improve livelihoods, nutrition, gender equity, and WASH services.
• Prepared a policy brief summarizing key findings to support advocacy efforts with government and development partners.

Validation and Dissemination:

• Organized validation workshops with Concern Worldwide, local government representatives, and implementing partners to present findings and gather feedback.
• Conducted dissemination sessions to share the baseline report and ensure stakeholder buy-in for proposed interventions.

This baseline survey provided a robust evidence base for implementing the ILUEP program, enabling Concern Worldwide to design and execute interventions that address the multi-dimensional challenges faced by the urban extreme poor. The findings and recommendations are expected to drive impactful, sustainable changes in urban poverty alleviation efforts.