RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 1 of 13
FINAL EVALUATION: RAJASTHAN WATER HARVESTING
PROJECT, BY ARAVALI
1. BACKGROUND
Rajasthan, which is located in the arid zone of India, has been the worst affected of drought.
Around 26 million people of 23,406 villages in 26 (of the total 32 Districts) of the State are
affected. CARE India, which has had a long-term presence in 16 Districts of Rajasthan
through its Integrated Nutrition and Health Project (INHP), was approached by the
Government of Rajasthan (GOR) for assistance in tackling the problem of water scarcity in
the State. Reacting positively to this request, CARE India initiated work on the renovation of
existing water harvesting structures and construction of new ones (where required), from
May 25, 2000, in Pali and Jodhpur Districts, by committing its own emergency fund under
the Sanchita Project. CARE started work on the Rajasthan Water Harvesting Project
(RWHP), with additional financial assistance of $ 409,552, from the OFDA, for a period of
90 days (w. e. f. 29 June 2000). RWHP intended to cover 150 most needy village
communities in 6 Blocks of the 2 Districts,
In order to enhance its institutional learning in relief operations and to assess the
effectiveness of the project, CARE decided to carry out evaluation of the RWHP. For
evaluating the project in an objective and unbiased manner, CARE India, on 10 August 2000,
approached ARAVALI (Association for Rural Advancement through Voluntary Action and
Local Initiative) - an NGO established by the Government of Rajasthan, to undertake this
assignment. Following the normal phase of deliberations and discussions involving
ARAVALI and CARE India (Jaipur office), the former consented to carry out the Mid-term
as well as the Final Evaluation of RWHP. A copy of the ToR is in Annexure I.
The Final Evaluation Report of RWHP is based on the observations and findings of the 2
teams of evaluators from ARAVALI, and is intended to assess the efficiency and
appropriateness of CARE’s intervention model for future project planning.
2. ABOUT RWHP
Goal
The RWHP of CARE aimed to reduce the vulnerabilities of the targeted population from
recurring water scarcity due to drought conditions in the State of Rajasthan.
Objective
Its main objectives were:
-to provide an infusion of cash to the most vulnerable population in order to improve
household livelihood security as an immediate relief intervention in the selected 150 villages
and
-to decrease their vulnerability to recurring water scarcity.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 2 of 13
Project Highlights
The project was based on the thinking that CARE would be able to make a significant and
long term impact by reviving water harvesting structures lying disused or dysfunctional and
by constructing new ones where required. With adequate water trapped to meet the drinking
water needs of both humans and cattle, the recurring cycle of water scarcity due to drought
will be broken.
The RWHP evaluation was carried out in two stages: a mid-term evaluation (from August 23
to September 10) and the final evaluation after the project period is over (from 15th
 to 31st
October). This report is based on the final evaluation of project work in Pali and Jodhpur
Districts.
Main purpose
The main purpose of the final evaluation was to assess the efficiency and appropriateness of
the intervention model for future project planning.
Scope of work
· Provide information to CARE about the development of the project till date;
· Assess project relevance in a wider rural development perspective;
· Assess appropriate targeting of the project;
· Evaluate the quality and efficiency of the planned activities and processes as implemented
compared with the intention expressed in the project document;
· Assess the level of community involvement in the entire project cycle and their response
to the project input and services;
· Adequacy of the management system & processes and its effectiveness;
· Extent to which the project has been able to achieve the planned objectives;
· Visibility of transparency at all the levels;
· Extent of co-ordination with the Government departments / Research Institutions and
other agencies;
· Assess the changes attributable to the project;
· Adequacy of the resources planned and the efficiency with which they were utilized;
Highlights of RWHP
a) Project area: 6 Blocks of Pali and Jodhpur Districts of Rajasthan
b) Project duration: 3 months (29 June to 28 September 2000)
c) The project was implemented in partnership with local NGOs and/or CBOs.
d) It focused exclusively on the revival/rehabilitation of the existing water harvesting
structures and construction of new ones, where required.
e) The cash for work component of the project that was intended to re-establish the
livelihood capacity of 150 village communities (or approximately 12,000 rural
families), was Rs. 10,800,000.
f) The project strategies also include close monitoring of work measurement, cash
disbursement and technical aspects, and ensuring transparency and
accountability.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 3 of 13
· Assess the project’s impacts;
· Influence of the above factors on the sustainability of the project;
· Replicability of the project (part or whole) in other areas in future;
· Implications for the future;
· Recommendations.
· Volume and quality of services provided by the implementing organisation;
· Preliminary indicators of emerging output;
· Changes that have occurred in the environment since appraisal, which are likely to affect
project performance during the remainder of the implementation phases.
3. METHODOLOGY
The total term fixed for the Final Evaluation of the project was 15 days; it was utilised as
follows:
· Planning the methodology for final Evaluation 3 days
· Village visits and field work 8 days
· Compilation, assessment and analysis of data 2 days
· Report writing 2 days
ARAVALI constituted two teams of 2 qualified persons each, for undertaking the evaluation
of RWHP in Pali and Jodhpur Districts, respectively. On the basis of the terms of reference of
the evaluation, a checklist of the questions was prepared so that both the teams seek similar
information from the field. (Annexure VII).
The main steps followed during the Final Evaluation were as explained in the following
section.
Step 1: Study of Project Documents
This involved an in-depth study of the RWHP Project Document to understand the terms of
Final Evaluation. The list of these documents consulted by the Evaluation Team has been
provided in Annexure II.
Step 2: Selection of Villages and Sites
It was decided to cover at least 10% project villages (a minimum of 3 villages) in each of the
six Blocks, i.e., a minimum of 18 villages in the entire project area. In case of a decimal
figure, the rounding off was to be done to the higher side (e.g., 10% of 23 project villages =
2.3 or 3 villages selected for evaluation field visits).
The selection of village sample for mid-term evaluation was done randomly, from the list of
villages provided by CARE. Care was taken to include in the sample, villages with diverse
kinds of sites / activities (like diversion bund, anicut, khadin, etc.).
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 4 of 13
The Evaluators covered a total of 28 villages (19% of the total project villages) in the 2
Districts (13 in Jodhpur and 15 in Pali), as part of the fieldwork for RWHP Evaluation. A list
of these villages and sites has been provided in Annexure III.
Step 3: Field Visit
Visits were made to the selected villages and project activity sites. During these visits, NGO
staff and key contact persons from the concerned village accompanied the Evaluators. Since
work at all the visited sites had been completed, the Team also visited the habitations in the
selected villages for carrying out discussions with the beneficiary families. Activity
supervisors, record keepers (mate) and other villagers present at in the village were also
contacted to get their views and information useful for the evaluation (Annexure IV).
Step 4: Data Analysis, Compilation and Report Preparation
The information and insights into the project gained through field visits was analysed and
discussed by the two teams of Evaluators. The learning, observations, and recommendations
of the two teams were compared and compiled into this comprehensive document: the Final
Evaluation Report of RWHP, to be submitted to CARE India.
4. STUDY AREA
Jodhpur and Pali, targeted by this project are among the most water insecure Districts in the
State. The contributing factors for this dismal scenario include non-existence of perennial
rivers, lack of rainfall and excessive salinity. The lack of rainfall has badly affected
agriculture production in most areas of the 2 Districts and has resulted in a threat to the
survival and livelihood of the rural population due to almost complete crop failure.
Significant animal mortality due to lack of fodder and decreased milk yields are further
impacting on the ability of the population to survive the drought.
The above scenario calls for the development of new and the repair of existing rainwater
harvesting structures. It is believed that traditional methods of water harvesting and
conservation have the potential to alleviate the problem of water scarcity and mitigate future
negative impact.
Repair of damaged water-harvesting structures and constructing need-based new structures
will meet the twin objectives of long-term water conservation and generation of extra cash for
the drought affected population in the area.
5. OBSERVATIONS
I. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TILL DATE
The project was planned in 150 villages of 6 blocks in Pali and Jodhpur districts. The project
has done exceptionally good both in terms of villages covered and the utilisation of funds. It
covered 150 villages in these two districts on about 230 different sites of water harvesting
(Annexure V). Total amount budgeted for cash for work was Rs. 14.57 million , which has
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 5 of 13
been utilized (102%). The variation in the budget and the actual expenditure on sites is within
10%, which in our opinion is justified.
Complete payment of wages had been done at all the sites. The payment was done within a
week of completion of work in all the sites. People are highly appreciative of the timely
payment. They compare this with the Government Relief Work where the payment normally
takes one to three months.
People also appreciated the full wage payment (Rs. 60/- per day) received from RWHP. In
government relief work there are deductions and they normally get Rs. 45-50 per day.
II. PROJECT RELEVANCE
The Blocks selected by CARE for its relief works, were among the worst affected during the
drought, and have, thus, been appropriately selected. Government stopped its famine relief
works in both Jodhpur and Pali District with the arrival of monsoon in early July. Subsequent
rains in the Districts did provide some relief to the community from the scarcity of drinking
water, but the problem of food grains and fodder shortage continues in the area. The RWHP
provided relief to poor people in such time when there was maximum need and minimum
support from elsewhere.
The appropriate time for working on water harvesting structures is from January to June
(before monsoon) so that the works are completed before the rains. This year the rains were
quite less and the villagers had no work in their agricultural fields, so the RWHP progress
was good. We feel the appropriate time for such relief works is before monsoon.
The area does not have any perennial river or any other permanent source of water. The
traditional rainwater harvesting structures (locally called ‘Nadis’) are the only source of water
for animals and human in villages in the area. Over a period of time silt has got deposited in
these Nadis and the embankment (locally called ‘pal’) has also got damaged. This has
reduced their water holding capacity. The de-silting and repair of Nadis under RWSP would
increase their water storage capacity and thus the water would be available for longer
duration.
III. PROJECT TARGETTING
A total of 198618 man-days of labour was generated through the RWH Project. The main
focus of this cash-for-work opportunity, were the poor, the landless, and other needy sections
of the rural community in Pali and Jodhpur. In both the Districts, about 70-80% of the labor
force employed at the sites were women of the poor and landless families.
About 80% of people interviewed told that from the earnings of wages in RWHP they bought
food grains. The villagers also used the cash earned to pay off old debts, to pay the school
fees of their children and/or to buy fodder for their cattle. This shows that the RWHP helped
meet the basic needs of poor people.
IV. QUALITY & EFFICIENCY OF ACTIVITIES & PROCESSES
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 6 of 13
1. Rapid Surveys & Assessment: For assessing community status and village requirement
for water harvesting structures, the implementing NGOs in Pali and Jodhpur conducted
rapid surveys of potential villages. They also utilized their own experience and
knowledge of the community, along with the information provided by local leaders and
Panchayat members for selection of village communities and project activities. However,
no reports of these surveys were available.
The NGOs in Pali and Jodhpur carried out technical surveys of all the sites for the
construction and/or repair of water harvesting structures in the presence of the Technical
Consultants from CARE. The Consultants also assisted the NGOs in the preparation of
detailed designs and estimates of water harvesting structures proposed under the project.
2. Community Mobilisation: The task of community mobilisation was carried out
effectively by the NGOs in Pali and Jodhpur. The fact that the NGO representatives were
themselves or had very good contacts with local influential people also helped in
organising the local people for the RWHP work. No formal training of the community
was organised by the implementing NGOs. However, constant guidance and supervision
made available at all the sites by the NGO staff as well as CARE officials led to the
successful completion of work at all the sites.
3. NGO Identification & Training: On 7th July 2000, CARE convened a meeting in
Jaipur, of NGOs /CBOs who had prior experience of undertaking water harvesting works.
The selection of NGOs/CBOs was made on the basis of their past experience, credibility
and on CARE’s experience of working with the NGO/CBO under its Sanchita program.
CARE also organised separate meetings with the NGOs in Pali and Jodhpur Districts on
17th-18th July and 19th-20th July, respectively, to ascertain if the NGOs would be able to
carry out RWHP work as per CARE's guidelines and conditions. The selected NGOs in
these 2 Districts also received orientation lectures and were taken for a field visit during
these meetings. A printed information sheet (Annexure VI) was also made available to
them, listing the steps to be followed in RWHP along with the format for giving Work
Plan Details.
4. Formation of Committees at Various Levels: Village Committees had been formed in
all the villages of Pali visited by the Evaluation Team. The 11-member Committees
formed in GVS, Desuri's villages, had Panchayat representatives as half of their members.
This was done to enable balanced representation and to prevent village-level conflicts
during RWHP work. In other villages 5-7 member Committees involving NGO personnel
and community representatives had been formed. In Phalodi and Bap Blocks of Jodhpur,
three tier Committees had been formed - a 35-member committee involving
CECOEDECON and some people from Phalodi and Bap, a 9-member steering committee
from the NGO, and village level committees.
The village-level committees were responsible for monitoring the progress of work at the
sites and would also oversee attendance, record - keeping and work measurement.
According to the views expressed by the villagers and NGO personnel contacted by the
Evaluation Team, these committees carried out their set tasks efficiently. Apart from the
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 7 of 13
Committee members, the other NGO staff, Panchayat members, village schoolteachers,
and the appointed mates also carried out this work of monitoring and supervision.
5. Microplanning on Community by Community basis: Detailed work plans had been
reportedly prepared for all the sites in Pali and Jodhpur. These plans contained work and
budget estimates as well as structure designs for each site.
4. Construction Activities: Work measurement and its recording and the marking of
attendance were regularly carried out in the project sites. Though no records (of work
measurement and attendance) could be made available to the Evaluation Team at the time
of its final visit, it had been observed during the Mid-Term Evaluation that record
keeping and work measurement was being carried out satisfactorily at all the visited sites.
In 20% of the sites visited in Jodhpur District, block measurements were taken every 3-4
days. However, no discrepancies or inadequacies in recording were alleged in these cases.
CARE and NGO staff made frequent visits to all the sites while RWHP work was in
progress. These visits helped in guiding work progress and making on the spot
improvements and corrections, as and when required. While the frequent visits of officers
from CARE kept the implementing NGOs in Pali on their toes, the NGO staff in turn
closely monitored and supervised work progress at each site. This helped in maintaining
the desired work quality and also in the timely completion of work at all the sites.
5. Process Documentation: Process documentation of the project has been carried out and
the draft report submitted to CARE (India) Headquarters, by the Consultant hired by
CARE for this purpose. The NGO staff contacted during the Final Evaluation was also
aware of this documentation activity.
6. Quality of Work Done: Site selection was found proper in all the sites visited for
Evaluation in Pali and Jodhpur Districts.
All the final structures evaluated by the Team were found to be stable. Around 70%
(10/15) structures visited in Pali, were found to be properly designed; the remaining
needed further expansion / deepening / pitching, to qualify as completed structures. In
Jodhpur, 50% of the visited sites (that were nadis or khadins) required proper
embankment and further desiltation. In 2 cases (Badi Sid in Bap Block and Kundal in
Phalodi Block), the final structures were poorly dressed and appeared incomplete.
The decision to set up boards at the project sites in Jodhpur and Pali, depicting the site's
work details and also including CARE's name, is commendable. It serves as a reminder
for the local community and as a useful piece of information for the outsiders regarding
the RWHP initiative of CARE.
V. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community involvement in RWHP works in both Pali and Jodhpur was found good. Right
from site and activity selection to work execution, work measurement and record, taking
attendance and activity monitoring, local people were involved at every step. During payment
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 8 of 13
of wages too, the entire village community was present. In 70% of the sites visited in
Jodhpur, some neutral person (village teacher / Sarpanch / Patwari) was also present at the
payment site. CARE and its NGO partners rightly identified and effectively used local
leadership including Panchayat members. This enabled a high degree of enthusiastic
participation by the community in RWHP works in the District.
VI. ADEQUACY OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
All the proposals from Pali District were prepared and submitted to CARE in 8-10 days' time.
The support and technical guidance provided by CARE's District Teams for this activity was
greatly appreciated by the NGOs. Administrative approval from CIHQ for the 4 NGOs/CBOs
of Pali could be obtained on 28th July. Hence, work was initiated well-in time at all the sites.
However, in Shergarh block of Jodhpur District, NGO selection took about 15 days more and
hence the work started accordingly. Similarly in case Pali district the work estimates had to
be redone because the NGO had planned Loose Stone Check Dams (LSCD) which later on
were dropped in favour of ‘Nadis’. In spite of all this, the work was completed satisfactorily
at all the sites.
It was also envisaged that the payment of the wages would be done weekly. As the total
duration of RWHP in any village was of one to two weeks, there was no need of part
payment. The community and the NGO/CBOs had full trust in CARE, and they were pleased
to receive payments within 5 days of completion of work.
The payments were envisaged in three installments. CARE made efforts to send the money to
the NGOs according to the agreed time frame. CARE faced difficulty in sending the
payments to the NGOs through demand drafts because the CARE’s Bank does not have
branches in the towns where NGOs are located. CARE staff had to prepare Demand Drafts
for Rs. 40,000/- each for the partner NGOs, from a number of Banks. State Bank of Bikaner
and Jaipur has the largest network of its branches in Rajasthan and we feel a project account
in SBI (parent bank of SBBJ) could have helped in smooth transfer of funds to the NGOs.
The daily wage rate in Pali district was Rs. 60/- per day (Official minimum wage rate). Here
the efforts were made to get the work done as per the official BSR. Payment according to
work measurement principle was adhered to very strictly in the Project.
Project implementation and monitoring at the work sites went on smoothly in Pali and
Jodhpur, with the support of local leaders, NGO staff and appointed mates and supervisors.
CARE deployed experienced officials for the timely and effective implementation of RWHP
in both Jodhpur and Pali. The District Co-ordinators and the 2 Block-level Teams of CARE
made regular visits to all the project sites and monitored project progress. The Technical
Consultants deployed by CARE provided timely support to the NGOs in the preparation of
site plans and execution of planned works.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 9 of 13
VII. EXTENT OF ACHIEVEMENT OF PROJECT OBJECTIVES
As originally envisaged, RWHP was successfully implemented in all the 6 Blocks of 2
Districts – Pali and Jodhpur, benefiting more than envisaged 150 villages.
In case of the project sites visited for Evaluation in Pali District, 50% of the households of
target village had benefited by this cash-for-work opportunity. Each beneficiary household
got an average of 9 mandays of labor at the work site in its village. This was because the
activities taken up under RWHP in Pali were generally short-duration ones.
In Jodhpur District, 80% or more of the village population got the opportunity to work under
RWHP, in 40% cases. In 50% villages visited for Evaluation, the beneficiary households got
at least 15 days of work each, at the sites.
It would not be possible to say that that the rainwater harvesting structures constructed under
RWHP led to increased water availability in the project areas, as there were no rains after
these structures were readied. However, these structures would be extremely useful and
would certainly harvest rainwater in coming years.
The benefited community utilized the wages generated through the cash-for-work component
of this project for purchasing foodstuffs, fodder, repaying loans and for all other survival
related activities as necessitated by the drought in the project area. In this sense too, the
project was able to meet its objectives.
VIII. TRANSPARENCY AT VARIOUS LEVELS
1. CARE – NGO Dealings: Full transparency was maintained at all levels in the
project. The NGO partners were aware of the project details and also the extent of
finance available under various heads of RWHP (labor, equipment, and material).
Frequent meetings of the NGO staff with visiting CARE officials also allowed
clarification of any doubts regarding the project in the formers' minds.
2. NGO – Community Dealings: The NGO also kept the community well
informed about various aspects of the project. It was done through local leaders and
Panchayat representatives. The concepts of cash-for-work and payment according to
work measurement were clarified to the community before work began. Site and
activity selection was also carried out openly and in consultation with the community.
Payment of wages was done in the presence of CARE and NGO officials and also the
entire village community.
IX. CO-ORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS & RESEARCH
INSTITUTIONS
CARE sought the technical and research - related information from Central Arid Zone
Research Institute (CAZRI) Jodhpur, SRSAC Jodhpur and the Department of Watershed and
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 10 of 13
Soil conservation, Government of Rajasthan. The Collectors of Pali and Jodhpur were also
kept informed of the project progress. In the end, Dr. Renu Suri also provided a briefing to
the Divisional Commissioner of Jodhpur regarding the successful implementation of the
project. The Panchayat representatives also played an active role in RWHP implementation
throughout the project period.
X. ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES & THEIR UTILIZATION
The manpower engaged by CARE and its partner NGOs for the project was well qualified
and adequate. The technical consultants hired by CARE compensated for the lack of technical
competency among the NGO staff. The latter, however, had a very good rapport with the
community and this helped in successful achievement of project objectives. In case of
Jodhpur District, it was felt that few more number of CARE officers could have been
deployed, keeping in view the vast spread of the project area.
The NGOs properly utilized the equipment amount sanctioned by CARE. The vast spread of
project sites in Jodhpur also made the 4.6 % administrative budget seem insufficient, as a
large proportion of this money was spent in visiting and monitoring the scattered sites. Hence
administrative costs for partner NGOs needs to be enhanced. In Pali, on the other hand, all
the sites were located within 75km radius. This made monitoring easier and the
administrative budget was also sufficient for the NGOs involved in RWHP there.
XI. IMPACTS
a) On Migration: The project did stall migration in the short-term by proving
timely employment opportunity to the population of drought-ridden Pali and Jodhpur. The
cash generated through RWHP works enabled the local community to purchase food grains
and other foodstuffs, fodder for their cattle and other items of daily utility. In one of the
villages, Lapi of Pali District, visited by the Evaluation Team, 30% households migrated to
Gujarat and Mumbai in search of labor as against the normal migration rate of 70% in such
drought conditions.
b) On Agriculture: RWHP is expected to have an indirect and positive impact on
agriculture in the area through the rise in ground water levels. It is unlikely that the
community would use the harvested water for irrigation. Also, a portion of cash earned has
been used for purchasing seeds or repaying old agricultural loans.
c) On ground water level: The area did not receive any rains after the construction
of the rainwater harvesting structures. It is expected that the sufficient water would be
harvested in these structures. Villagers are confident that in normal rain years these structures
would hold water for at least 8 months. The water thus harvested would help in recharging
the ground water. The dug wells situated in down stream would be benefited. One structure is
expected to recharge about 15-20 such wells.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 11 of 13
d) On community mobilisation: The most immediate impact of the project has
been on community mobilisation. Local leadership was effectively used during this cash-for￾work opportunity, to mobilise and organise the local community for labor. People took up
work not merely for cash but also with an understanding of the long-term importance of
rainwater harvesting. Panchayats in Pali District also rose to the occasion and their members
guided, supervised and monitored project progress at the village level.
XII. REPLICATION OF RWHP
RWHP has generated many lessons for future relief work, through its timeliness and
innovative nature. The activities included in Government's relief programs generally include
road repair and construction of village school's walls. CARE, through RWHP has shown that
focus on building water-harvesting structures as part of relief projects would help meet the
twin objectives of short-term cash generation and long-term water resource management. The
efficiency with which the entire project was implemented including selection of NGO
partners and beneficiaries, preparation of site estimates and designs and the actual
implementation - work measurement, record and timely payment, has created a model for
future relief programs.
In its present form, RWHP can be replicated at other sites as well. Some recommendations
for this replication have been provided in the following section.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 12 of 13
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
CARE deserves the credit for its commendable initiative in the form of RWHP, that provided
necessary cash-for-work support to the needy and the poor in 6 Blocks of Jodhpur and Pali
Districts of Rajasthan. Any future cash-for-work program should be based on the learning
and experiences generated through RWHP implementation in Pali and Jodhpur Districts.
CARE should keep the following points in mind, in this regard:
· The Project Agreement Document signed with the NGOs should be in Hindi to increase
its utility for the NGO.
· A short but formal orientation-cum-training program would be useful for apprising the
NGO staff of the technical and work measurement aspects of a project like RWHP. This
would also help the implementing NGOs in different Districts to uniformly understand
the standard of output expected of them during the project.
· It would be preferable to allow greater time to the NGOs for site selection and preparation
of designs and estimates. Technical support should be ensured for them during this phase.
· It is not required to maintain a uniform size of Project Team in all the involved Districts.
The size of the District, spread of the project sites and other such attributes should be kept
in mind before deploying officials and staff under any relief project that needs close
supervision.
· There is considerable expenditure on staff mobility in case of widely spread-out sites of
relief project. It would be advisable to consider these aspects while planning the
proportion of administrative costs. This proportion also need not be uniform for all the
project Districts.
· CARE could also consider taking up Pastureland Development activities in Pali District,
as vast stretches of Panchayat-owned pastureland are available in the villages of this
District. These pasturelands are facing grave degradation threat from the proliferating
weed - Prosopis juliflora. Work taken up on these lands would generate cash under relief
programs and would also solve the local fodder problem through the development of
productive grazing areas.
· Local leadership developed in the District through RWHP implementation can be
constructively motivated, trained and employed in future programs and projects of CARE
in the area. CARE’s decision to grant project responsibilities to small, up coming NGOs /
CBOs in Pali and Jodhpur Districts is commendable. It has enhanced capacities of these
grassroots organisations. These CBOs/NGOs have developed considerable understanding
of the water harvesting activity as well as of the community in the project area. This
process of local rapport building, community mobilisation and area-specific intervention
design should not go waste. Assigning them project-related responsibilities in future too
can further enhance the capacities and experience of these organisations further.
RWHP Final Evaluation Report
ARAVALI
Page 13 of 13
· Considerable experience has been generated through this large relief project, at the level
of all the actors. Mechanisms and models can be developed on the basis of this
community-based resource management experience, for wider dissemination of the
results and more fruitful utilisation of its learning.
It would be interesting to document the experiences gained in this project and share them
with the State Government. It is advocated that the Government should also manage its future
relief work in drought-affected areas of the State, on similar lines.