Evaluating the Effectiveness of Livelihoods Programs for Returned Refugees in Burundi - OE US Gov 2015

2.4 APPROACHES TO ENHANCE LIVELIHOODS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

2.4.2. Social inclusion promotion (awareness raising on social inclusion in IE)

Recommendation: 5) Clearly identify the beneficiary selection criteria in the project design document.  This should include vulnerability criteria that are agreed to with the major stakeholders. During the project inception period, double check the correct application of selection criteria to ensure that the target community members are actually engaged in and benefit from the project.

Reference: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Livelihoods Programs for Returned Refugees in Burundi - OE US Gov 2015

Evidence sample: the evaluation concluded that the project should more clearly define what is meant by vulnerability, and how this group should be prioritized. This evaluation showed that despite what was recorded in official program documents, vulnerable groups were often not targeted or able to engage in projects. Some projects required physical strength (to repair houses) and others required initial financial contributions (to join the VSLAs). PRM should clarify which segment of society it hopes to assist with livelihoods interventions—e.g. support the middle classes as drivers of economic change? Or to provide a safety net to the worst off?