The wider impacts of BRAC poverty alleviation programme in Bangladesh

Abstract

Over the decades of the 1980s and 90s, many poverty alleviation programmes have been implemented in developing countries. Evaluations of such programmes have traditionally looked at their success in increasing the income levels of participants, but less at the wider goals of human well-being. This paper l(x)ks at the poverty alleviation program of BRAC. a large non-governmental organization in Bangladesh. and, based on carefully designed studies, presents its impact on selected components of 'human well-being'. This study found better child survival and nutritional status in households served by the programme. Simulated impacts were also observed in other areas, such as expenditure patterns. family planning practices and children's education. The studies also looked at the impact on the rural power structure and found a substantial change in the networking relationship of health providers. The likely influence of 'selectivity bias' on the above results is abo discussed.