An EEP/Shiree Production Concept, Photograph, Design : Samiul Ahsan

EEP/Shiree

Quarterly Report 2016 April - June

Economic Empowerment of the Poorest (EEP) Stimulating Household Improvements Resulting in Economic Empowerment (SHIREE)

Table of Contents

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ i EEP/Shiree in numbers ......................................................................................................................................................... ii Outline of the EEP/Shiree programme ............................................................................................................................... iii Scope of this report ................................................................................................................................................................. v Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... vi Output 1: Proven approaches to improving the livelihoods of the extreme poor taken to scale ................................. 1 Output 2: Innovative approaches to improve the livelihoods of the extreme poor tested, evaluated, and successes ready for scaling up (Innovation Fund) .............................................................................................................................. 5 Output 3: Research into the causes and effects of extreme poverty and the effectiveness of measures taken to address extreme poverty is undertaken and results disseminated .................................................................................. 6 Output 4: Needs of the extreme poor are recognised in policy and practice .................................................................. 8 Output 5: Direct nutrition support to target households in the Haor areas .................................................................. 10 Financial management ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Human resource management ............................................................................................................................................ 16 ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17

List of Tables

Table 1: EEP/Shiree graduation statistics (based on 2015 CMS3 survey, using average PNGOs household size of 3.86 ............................................................................................................................................................................................ ii Table 2: Cumulative progress against all components up to June 2016 .......................................................................... ii Table 3: Number of Group Leaders Trained ...................................................................................................................... 1

Table 4: Number of beneficiaries received support from CGF fund ............................................................................... 2

Table 5: Savings and Loan Information (all groups- both registered and non-registered) .................................................. 2

Table 6: Khasland Status (permanent and temporary lease) .................................................................................................. 3

List of Figures

Figure 1: Breakdown of Total Expenditure of £82,541,091 (December 2007 – June 2016) .......................................... 12

Figure 2: Breakdown of quarterly Expenditure of £592,510 (April 2016 - June 2016) ................................................. 12

List of Annexes

Annex 1: Progress against annual logframe targets ........................................................................................................ 17 Annex 2: Financial Summary (April 2016 – June 2016) .................................................................................................... 21 Annex 3: EEP/Shiree organogram as of 30 June 2016 ...................................................................................................... 22 Annex 4: EEP/Shiree district and beneficiary household coverage .............................................................................. 23

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

ANC Antenatal Care BHH Beneficiary Household BIDS Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies CFO Chief Financial Officer CGF Contributory Group Fund CMS Change Monitoring System CPK Community Pushti Kormi CSG Community Support Group CU2 Children Under 2 years of age

CWW Concern Worldwide DFID Department for International Development

ECNEC Executive Committee of the National Economic Council EEP Economic Empowerment of the Poorest EPI Extended Programme on Immunisation

FAPAD Foreign Aided Project Audit Directorate GoB Government of Bangladesh HKI Helen Keller International

HRA Head of Research and Advocacy HSI Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation IAP Independent Assessment Panel

IF Innovation Fund IFA Iron and Folic Acid

LGRD Local Government and Rural Development MNP Micronutrient Powder

MP Member of Parliament NGO Non-Governmental Organisation PNC Post Natal Care

PNGO Partner Non-Government Organisation QR Quarterly Report

RDCD Rural Development and Cooperative Division SDC Swiss Development Cooperation

SF Scale Fund Shiree Stimulating Household Improvements Resulting in Economic Empowerment

TBA Traditional Birth Attendant UPL University Press Limited

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EEP/Shiree in numbers QR2 (April - June) 2016

EEP submits its results to DFID twice annually, in March and September. The results submitted in June are as given below, taking into account any adjustments.

Table 1 EEP/Shiree graduation statistics (based on 2015 CMS3 survey, using average PNGOs household size of 3.86)

Fund Type Beneficiary enrollment VS graduation No. beneficiaries enrolled No. beneficiaries graduated

Total Male Female Total Male Female Scale Fund Round 1 (Phase 1) 289,595 134,749 154,846 272,769 126,919 145,849 Scale Fund Round 1 (Phase 2) 371,777 172,988 198,789 364,686 169,689 194,998 Scale Fund Round 2 182,990 85,145 97,845 177,541 82,610 94,931 Scale Fund Round 3 47,060 21,897 25,163 46,808 21,780 25,028 Scale out 191,766 89,229 102,537 191,151 88,942 102,209

Sub Total SF 1,083,188 504,007 579,181 1,052,955 489,939 563,016 Innovation Round 1 27,535 12,812 14,723 15,165 7,056 8,109 Innovation Round 2 19,423 9,038 10,386 12,697 5,908 6,789 Innovation Round 3 30,289 14,093 16,195 29,828 13,879 15,949 Innovation Round 4 33,333 15,510 17,823 32,633 15,184 17,449

Sub Total IF 110,579 51,452 59,127 90,323 42,027 48,296 Grand Total 1,193,767 555,460 638,307 1,143,278 531,967 611,311

Percentage graduated N/A 95.8% Note: Based on 2015 CMS1 and CMS3 survey, using average PNGOs household size of 3.86

Table 2 Cumulative progress against all components up to June 2016

All Cumulative Progress up to June 2016 Male Female Total

Number of People lifted out of extreme poverty

Target/Milestone 357,037 410,289 767,326 Achieved 531,967 611,311 1,143,278

Number of People achieving food security Target/Milestone 357,037 410,289 767,326 Achieved 548,273 630,048 1,178,321

Number of beneficiaries of extreme poverty programme

Target/Milestone 535,526 615,400 1,150,926 Achieved 555,460 638,307 1,193,767

Number of people benefitting from cash transfer programme

Target/Milestone 41,042 47,163 88,205 Achieved 71,292 81,925 153,217

Number of people supported to improve their rights to land and property

Target/Milestone 49,204 56,543 105,747

Achieved 44,627 51,283 95,910 Number of children Under 5 and pregnant women reached

Target/Milestone 97,712 135,826 233,538 Achieved 107,888 151,934 259,822

Exceeded Target 1Missed Target

1 The GoB’s Department of Land Records and Survey provides Khasland to landless people. Transferring land is a

complicated process of application, registration etc., and takes a long time to conclude. The project period did not allow EEP to achieve or exceed the target/milestone.

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Outline of the EEP/Shiree programme

The Economic Empowerment of the Poorest (EEP) programme started in 2008. It was planned to end in March 2016 but was given a six month No Cost Extension from April to September 2016.

EEP/Shiree is a partnership between the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) under the leadership of the Rural Development and Cooperative Division (RDCD) of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD).

The total programme budget is GBP 83.53 million. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) contributes approximately £79.53 million, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) contributed £4 million.

Over its lifecycle, EEP/Shiree established two challenge funds to provide resources to address extreme poverty. National and international NGOs prepared bids for projects to be funded by the funds, and the successful candidates were chosen by an Independent Assessment Panel. The first fund – the Scale Fund – used tried and tested methods to assist large numbers of people out of extreme poverty. The second – the Innovation Fund - challenged NGOs to design and implement innovative approaches based on selected themes to reduce extreme poverty in urban and rural areas.

Additionally, EEP/Shiree also implemented two nutrition funds from 2012. The Scale Fund Nutrition Component provided direct nutrition support to pregnant and breastfeeding

Summary of EEP/Shiree Programme Objectives

Output One: Scale Fund - proven approaches to improving the livelihoods of the extreme poor taken to scale;

Output Two: Innovation Fund - innovative approaches to improve the livelihoods of the extreme poor tested, evaluated and successes are ready for scaling up;

Output Three: Lesson Learning and Research - to increase consistency in the understanding, sharing and application of approaches in addressing extreme poverty;

Output Four: Advocacy – needs of the extreme poor are recognised in policy and practice at national and local levels; and

Output Five: Nutrition - direct nutritional support provided to extreme poor mothers, children, adolescent girls and family members.

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women, adolescent girls, and children through existing EEP/Shiree Scale Fund partners. The Nutrition Innovation Fund tested new and unproven approaches to increasing protein intake among women, adolescent girls and children.

Overall, EEP/Shiree funded 43 projects with its partner NGOs under the Scale and Innovation Funds. As of December 2015, all asset transfers have now concluded, and most of the projects have now closed. In 2016, EEP continues to support its Scale Fund partners to improve the sustainability of interventions through supporting savings and loans schemes, contributory group funds, and providing links to service providers.

These direct delivery components (Outputs 1, 2 and 5) are complemented by research (Outputs 3) and advocacy (Output 4) to improve the understanding of the causes and effects of extreme poverty, the effectiveness of the measures taken to address it, and, through using the evidence created, aims to increase the recognition of the extreme poor in government policy and planning.

EEP/Shiree has a low key but strategic advocacy role to ensure the needs of the Extreme Poor are recognised in policy and practice. Initially networking with other relevant actors in Bangladesh to develop learning platforms on extreme poverty, EEP/Shiree with DFID support, assisted the Planning Commission to frame policies on extreme poverty which are now included in the Government’s 7th Five Year Plan (2016 – 2020) approved in October 2015.

EEP/Shiree is subject to rigorous DFID Annual Reviews and consistently scores above the testing expectations set by GoB and donors. It scored at A+ in both 2014 and 2015.

EEP/Shiree is managed by Ecorys UK Ltd and PMTC Bangladesh Ltd with their consortium partners, the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) at Bath University, the British Council and Unnayan Shamannay.

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Scope of this report

This is the Second Quarterly Report (QR2) of 2016 for EEP/Shiree for the period 1 April to 30 June in Year Eight – the final year - of the project.

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Executive Summary

Scale Fund: Following approval of the EEP/Shiree no-cost extension from March to September 2016, all Scale Fund (SF) Projects were extended to August 2016 with the aim of enhancing sustainability of the project results.

Major accomplishments of the SF projects in QR2 were training of 7,634 group leaders on “Group Leadership and Savings Management”. 13,039 weak beneficiaries received financial support from the CGF Fund to restart or expand their income enterprises. During the reporting period, 8,474 groups consisting of 189,412 members (74% female) have saved around BDT 156 million. 496 BHHs received permanent leases of 114 acres of khas land whereas 72 BHHs received 83 acres of khas land in temporary arrangements.

6,848 beneficiaries including 5,002 female have started self-employment with support from the CGF fund. And 1,363 beneficiaries received jobs in the private sector, mainly garments factories, shoe factories, security companies, EPZ, bakery etc.

Nutrition: 60,377 beneficiaries received nutritional education through 3,981 BHH group meetings. 12,204 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls received Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.

Research: The CMS 3 Socio-economic and Anthropometric Survey 2016 has been completed. Data analysis and report writing and preparation of a four page brief are in progress. Manuscripts were submitted to the publishers for two edited research books. Six working papers were finalised and uploaded on the website. The final EEP Research Report is in progress: fieldwork completed; data processing are in progress.

A dedicated session on “Eradicating extreme Poverty – Leave No One Behind” was held on Day 2 of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) arranged “The Bangladesh Journey” conference. EEP/Shiree’s Head of Research and Advocacy made a widely commended introductory presentation both on the issues and propositions for discussion.

Finance: Total disbursement of Quarter 2 was £592,510. As of 30 June 2016, overall expenditure of the programme was £82,541,091million - 98.82% of the total budget. There remains £990,211 million for the remaining three months of the project’s no cost extension.

Staffing: One employee completed his short-term employment contract. Presentation Skills training was held during 31 May 2016 - 2 June 2016 organised by PMTC.

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Rokhsana Begum (R), with her family in front of her newly built house

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Output 1: Proven approaches to improving the livelihoods of the extreme poor taken to scale

Following approval of the EEP/Shiree no-cost extension from March to September 2016, all Scale Fund (SF) Projects were extended to August 2016 with the aim of enhancing sustainability of the project results. The major accomplishments under this output in the reporting quarter are as follows: Training

7,634 group leaders were trained on ‘Group Leadership and Savings Management’ by PNGO staff. Details are in Table 3.

Table 3 Number of Group Leaders Trained

Quarter Number of group leaders Male Female

January - March 15,697 5,917 9,392 April - June 7,634 2,487 5,147

Total 23,331 8,404 14,539 Contributory Group Fund (CGF)

CGFs were introduced to help weak and vulnerable households through group actions. Groups were selected based on the groups’ interests and number of weak beneficiaries who need support to improve their economic activities. Both EEP and the groups contributed to this fund to support selected weak beneficiaries. The average contribution from the EEP project and the groups were GBP 200 and GBP 25, respectively, per group. In this quarter, project funds were transferred to all selected group bank accounts. Respective groups also deposited their contributions in their bank accounts. A total of 13,039 weak beneficiaries received financial support from the CGF Fund to restart or expand their income enterprises. Experienced group members and group leaders helped weak beneficiaries to plan and run their income enterprise effectively. Details of CGF distribution are below (Table 4):

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Table 4 Number of beneficiaries received support from CGF fund

NGOs Number of CGF groups

Total number of CGF BHHs

Number of BHHs received CGF

CARE 482 1,405 1,405 Caritas 109 322 322 CWW 100 300 300 GH 302 904 904 Helvetas 150 900 552 HKI 121 305 305 MJSKS 60 172 172 NETZ 700 1,508 1,505 Oxfam 409 1,227 1,209 PAB 525 1,527 1,345 SCiBD 250 750 735 Shushilan 400 1,975 1,975 Uttaran 700 4,036 2,310

Total 4,308 15,331 13,039 Savings

During the reporting period, 8,474 groups consisting of 189,412 members (74% female) have saved around BDT 156 million, and 26,000 group members received loans of more than BDT 104 million to invest in different economic activities. A substantial amount of the said loan (about 64%) were repaid in the same period, see Table 5.

Table 5 Savings and Loan Information (all groups- both registered and non-registered)

NGO No. of savings group

No. of group

members

No. of male

No. of female

Total savings

amounts (BDT)

Loan disbursed

No. of male loan

recipients

No. of female

loan recipients

Loan amount realised

CARE 698 20,266 15,704 4,562 2,714,490 9,220,200 954 349 1,822,300 Caritas 150 2,678 1,656 1,022 1,032,005 2,075,325 416 460 1,654,212 CWW 1,106 22,500 3,305 19,195 6,341,900 6,303,115 244 9,976 - DSK 1,145 32,008 1,017 30,991 20,084,818 39,237,330 65 1,715 52,640,113 GH 436 8,830 4,498 4,332 3,799,312 7,194,200 1159 1,232 6,306,175 Helvetas 381 7,388 74 7,314 892,020 653,800 0 591 133,000 HKI 121 2,177 - 2,177 560,560 772,800 0 917 360,115 MJSKS 84 1,923 - 1,923 463,740 259,000 0 242 213,000 NETZ 1,254 21,300 - 21,300 3,331,398 149,000 0 21 304,735 Oxfam 414 17,224 4,271 12,953 34,411,653 3,283,103 186 563 1,501,955 PAB 957 20,767 17,353 3,414 72,715,767 15,615,620 2311 844 1,397,310 SCiBD 400 6,036 657 5,379 578,995 5,307,490 84 651 - Shushilan 452 9,390 148 9,242 6,280,520 10,959,500 9 1996 - Uttaran 876 16,925 - 16,925 2,529,840 3,480,700 0 1,031 426,203

Total 8,474 189,412 48,683 140,729 155,737,018 104,511,183 5434 20558 66,759,118

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Khasland

Access to Khasland and water bodies play a significant role for increasing the economic activities of the extreme poor. In this quarter with support and facilitation from EEP, a further 496 BHHs received permanent leases of 114 acres of land, and 72 BHHs received 83 acres of land in temporary arrangements. Details in Table 6.

Table 6 Khasland Status (permanent and temporary lease)

NGOs Permanent Khasland Temporary Khasland Total

No. of BHHs received

Khasland

Quantity of land received

(Acre)

No. of BHHs received

Khasland

Quantity of land received

(Acre)

No. of BHHs received

Khasland

Quantity of land received

(Acre)

SCiBD 13 1.99 0 0 13 1.99 Shushilan 13 0.75 0 0 13 0.75 Uttaran 470 111.43 72 82.95 542 194.38

Total 496 114.17 72 82.95 568 197.12

Self-Employment and Job Creation

In this quarter, 6,848 beneficiaries including 5,002 female have started self-employment with support from the CGF fund. And 1,363 beneficiaries received jobs in the private sector, mainly garments factories, shoe factories, security companies, EPZ, bakery etc.

Monowara Khatun, posed in front of her permanently leased khasland received from the programme

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Other Achievements

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CARE Bangladesh and Pragati Life Insurance Company Ltd. to cover medical cost of 2,477 BHHs of 100 saving groups. Under this agreement, beneficiaries will receive free health service for one year from selected health service providers who will be paid by the insurance company. CARE has a plan to expand this service for another two years after closure of EEP programme for the same beneficiaries, with support from other projects or CARE’s own resources.

• Fifty Paravets were trained by CARE

• Oxfam organised vocational training for 20 youths.

Useful website links on Scale Fund

i. Scale Fund Round One: http://www.shiree.org/project-partner/scale-fund-round-1/

ii. Scale Fund Round Two: http://www.shiree.org/project-partner/scale-fund-round-2/

iii. Scale Fund Round Three (Scale Up): http://www.shiree.org/project-partner/scale-up-projects/

iv. Scale Fund Round Four (Scale Out): http://www.shiree.org/project-partner/sf/scale-fund-round-four-scale-out/

Sharifa Khatun (R), receiving money from a customer at her convenience store

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Output 2: Innovative approaches to improve the livelihoods of the extreme poor tested, evaluated, and successes ready for scaling up (Innovation Fund)

The Innovation Fund is now closed. A total of 27 projects were carried out in four rounds of the EEP/Shiree Innovation Fund. All 27 Innovation Fund projects are now completed and closed. Details can be found at:

Innovation Fund report under preparation

A synthesis report of all the lessons learned reports from the Innovation Fund projects is under preparation by Dr. Binayak Sen of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).

Useful website links on Innovation Fund

i. Innovation Fund (Round I): http://www.shiree.org/if/innovation-fund-round-1/

ii. Innovation Fund (Round II): http://www.shiree.org/if/innovation-fund-round-2/

iii. Innovation Fund (Round III): http://www.shiree.org/if/innovation-fund-round-3/

iv. Innovation Fund (Round IV): http://www.shiree.org/if/innovation-fund-round-4/

An EEP beneficiary in his bitter gourd garden for which he received support and training from the programme

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Output 3: Research into the causes and effects of extreme poverty and the effectiveness of measures taken to address extreme poverty is undertaken and results disseminated

The Research team have undertaken the following work this quarter.

Working Papers Published in the Website

• Working paper 31: “Feeding practices and nutritional status of extreme poor young children in families of working mothers in the slums of Dhaka” by Ashraful Kabir

• Working paper 32: “Migration and its effect on extreme poor households’ trajectories” by A K M Fazlur Rahman and Sohel Rana

• Working paper 33: “Access to Market and Outcomes: Experience of the Extreme Poor” by Mohammad Ali Ahsan

• Working paper 34: “How ethnic minorities became poor and stay poor in Bangladesh: a qualitative enquiry” by Nikhil Chakma and Mathilde Maitrot

• Working paper 35: “Seasonal food security strategies of the ‘extreme poor’ of Haor in Bangladesh” by Arafat Alam

• Working paper 36: “An analysis of the extreme poor’s experiences of the contemporary agrarian structures in Bangladesh” by SK. Tariquzzaman

Research Books

• Manuscript of the first book (edited volume) entitled “Extreme Poverty, Growth and Inequality in Bangladesh” has been submitted to the publisher (Practical Action Publishing, UK).

• Manuscript of the second book (edited volume) entitled “Aiding Resilience among the Extreme Poor in Bangladesh” has also been submitted to the publisher (University Press Limited, Dhaka).

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Final EEP Research Report on Eradicating Extreme Poverty in Bangladesh: Lessons from EEP/Shiree

The field work for the study was completed, and transcription of all field notes both in Bengali and English was concluded. Data analysis and writing of the report are in progress, with a draft to be expected in early September.

Progress in CMS 3

The CMS 3: Socio-economic and Anthropometric Survey 2016 has been completed. Data analysis and report writing and preparation of a four page brief are in progress, and are expected to be concluded in September.

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Beneficiary poses with the cow she received as part of the programme

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Output 4: Needs of the extreme poor are recognised in policy and practice

EEP/Shiree supported BIDS Critical Conversations, 2016

The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) arranged an important conference, the BIDS Critical Conversations, 2016, “The Bangladesh Journey”, supported by the UK Aid Department for International Development (DFID) and EEP/Shiree. Held in Dhaka on 23-24 April 2016 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), the conference took an objective, considered look at Bangladesh’s journey of progress – the achievements and explanations – and a forward look to discern any gaps in information, analysis and policy.

As Bangladesh’s socio-economic success is beginning to be recognized, various competing narratives are emerging which would benefit from more explanation. These are stories that need to be discussed not just by the academics and policymakers but by a much wider cross-section of civil society. This BIDS two-day conference provided a platform for such discussion, conducted in a constructive, free, frank and cordial manner.

A dedicated session on “Eradicating extreme Poverty – Leave No One Behind” was held on Day 2 of the conference. Here EEP/Shiree’s Head of Research and Advocacy made a widely commended introductory presentation both on the issues and propositions for discussion.

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, HRA of EEP/Shiree during his introductory presentation at the BIDS Critical Conversations 2016. (Inset) Other speakers participated at the EEP/Shiree Session

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Distinguished Guests at the conference included Mr. AHM Mustafa Kamal, MP, the Hon. Minister of Planning and Dr. Masihur Rahman, Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister who warmly congratulated BIDS and its supporters for organising such an important event. Dr. Murshid, Director General of BIDS, thanked DFID and EEP/Shiree for supporting the event.

Two key civil society representatives also participated - Miss Aroma Dutta (Executive Director, PRIP Trust) and Dr. A.K.M. Musha (Country Director, Concern Worldwide Bangladesh). The Honorable Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Mr. Fazle Rabbi Miah, MP, graced the session as the Chief Guest. Dr. S. M. Zulfiqar Ali (Senior Research Fellow, BIDS and Head of Research and Advocacy, EEP/Shiree) presented the issue paper on behalf of the organisers, while Khondker Ibrahim Khaled (former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank) moderated the event.

EEP/Shiree continued to support raising of Extreme Poverty as an issue in the national media. Two Op-Ed’s were published. And EEPs Head of Research and Advocacy continues his series of TV interviews on economic matters and Extreme Poverty at a pre-budget discussion on Deepto TV on 28 May 2016.

EEP/Shiree in association with Unnayan Shamannay recorded a five episode TV Talk Show with RTV during 16-17 May 2016 at the RTV studio. The theme of the sequel was “Extreme Poverty Free Bangladesh: Challenges and Possibilities”. EEPs Head of Research and Advocacy Dr. Zulfiqar Ali anchored the episodes in which social thinkers and economists from the Bangladesh Government, UKAid and civil societies participated as discussants. The broadcast of the show is scheduled on every Saturday at 10:10 am from 6 August 2016 to 3 September 2016 on RTV.

Participants at the EEP/Shiree Session during the BIDS Critical Conversations Conference 2016

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Output 5: Direct nutrition support to target households in the Haor areas

For most households, direct project interventions have concluded in December 2015. However, as set out in the no-cost extension plan, the Direct Nutrition Interventions (DNIs) continued in Sunamgonj, Habigonj and Kishorgonj, as these areas were identified as being the most vulnerable. During the no cost extension period, 3,198 additional EEP households who were part of the control group for the IFPRI study were included for nutritional support, as these were not provided with DNIs earlier in the programme.

A lesson learning report of the nutrition component was drafted, and will be shared with DFID in July.

Major achievements under this output in this quarter are:

Behavioural Change Counselling

• 20,193 households received regular monthly counselling visits on nutrition, hygiene and family planning etc.

• 9,949 adolescent girls received adolescent nutrition and personal hygiene education through 3,049 group meetings.

• 326 fathers of under 2 years’ old children, and husbands of pregnant women received orientation training on child and maternal nutrition.

• 60,377 beneficiaries received nutritional education through 3,981 BHH group meetings.

Distribution of nutrition drugs/supplements

• 12,204 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls received Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets;

• 3,917 children of 7-24 months old received Micro Nutrient Powder (MNP);

• 58 selected children under 2 years’ old received Fish Powder;

• 9,924 beneficiaries received de-worming tablets/suspension.

Social mobilization, capacity building and Coordination

• 396 Community Pusti Karmi (CPK) and 40 Health Nutrition Promoters (HNP) received refresher training.

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• 1,259 key stakeholders including Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA), Religious leaders, School Teachers and Union council members attended day-long orientation sessions on nutrition and project activities.

• 857 members from Community Support Group (CSG) and Community Group (CG) of Community Clinic attended day-long orientation session on nutrition and project activities.

• 40 meetings were held with Community Support Groups (CSG) to discuss improving services provided by community clinics;

• 20 meetings were organized and facilitated with Union level health service providers to discuss improving health and nutrition services by Union Health Centre, Community Clinic and Satellite/EPI centre.

• Concern Worldwide (CWW) and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI) attended 16 GoB and NGO health/coordination meetings at Upazila and district level;

• 25 Rallies and 150 courtyard session were organized to observe World Health Day 2016. More than 3,487 community people participated in these events.

Linkage with existing health facilities

More than 4,000 beneficiaries received nutritional and health services from local GoB health facilities. The services included Antenatal Care (ANC) check-up, Postnatal Care (PNC) check-up, Vaccination, Family Planning Methods and nutritional drugs like vitamin A, Iron & Folic Acid (IFA) and Calcium tablets.

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Financial management

During April – June 2016 quarter, an amount of GBP 592,510 has been disbursed. The overall expenditure of this programme since 01 December 2007 to 30 June 2016 is GBP 82,541,091, which is 98.82% of the project total budget. There remains an amount of GBP 990,211 for the remaining three months of the project tenure.

Figure – 1: Breakdown of Total Expenditure of £82,541,091 (December 2007 – June 2016)

Figure – 2: Breakdown of quarterly Expenditure of £592,510 (April 2016 - June 2016)

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Forecasting January – August 2016

Revised NGO disbursement plan for April-September 2016 was prepared and submitted to the British Council and Ecorys UK at the end of April 2016. A financial review of 14 Scale Fund NGOs was made in June and a revision of the NGO Disbursement Plan was prepared. A revised disbursement plan has been submitted to British council for final disbursement to be made in September 2016.

Budget revisions and contract amendments

A budget revision was conducted with all 14 Scale Fund NGOs based on the additional allocations. The remaining Accountable Grant Agreements for Scale Fund Grantees was signed in April 2016.

EEP External Audit

A ToR for an EEP external audit from April 2015 to March 2016 was prepared in association with DFID and Ecorys. Acnabin, Chartered Accountants was appointed external auditor upon approval from DFID. An introduction meeting was held with external auditors, DFID, PMTC and EEP/Shiree on 4 May 2016. The external auditors worked at EEP for three weeks and visited a number of partner NGOs to check and verify expenditure, facilitated by EEP. A draft audit report had been shared with DFID, Ecorys and EEP. An exit meeting was held on 23 June 2016 in the presence of DFID, PMTC and EEP/Shiree management. The final external audit report duly signed and published on 30 June 2016.

EEP Internal Audit

EEP Internal auditors carried out internal audits of five PNGOs during this quarter. Four draft reports were shared with partner NGOs for providing a management response on the observations and recommendation made by the internal auditors. Four final versions of internal audit reports were circulated among partners for action in accordance with recommendation. An operational and financial review was made by DTL/CFO for Shushilan, SCI and Uttaran in late June 2016.

FAPAD (Foreign Aided Project Audit Directorate) Audit

Acceptance of the management response to some historic audit observations made by the FAPAD team is pending. The audit for year ending 30 June 2015 was completed by 30 June 2016, and the FAPAD financial report for the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 was shared with DTL/CFO. FAPAD auditors provided few observations on the operations of Oxfam and

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Concern Worldwide, and a management response on those observations was duly communicated to the auditors.

NGO Independent External Audit

All 14 external audit reports as of 31 December 2015 have been completed and final report duly submitted to DFID and NGO partners for the preparation of action plan and follow-up. A draft ToR for the final audit of 14 Scale Fund partners has been prepared and finalised. Appointment of external auditors has been finalised and the external audit will start in the first week of August 2016.

Assets Management and Resource Control

The process of making a permanent handover of assets to 14 Scale Fund grantee was prepared by the EEP/Shiree assets management team. A list of EEP/Shiree assets was prepared and submitted to DFID in April 2016 for approval in May 2016.

The majority of assets under the custody of NGOs has been transferred to NGO partners for further use for development activities.

A physical inventory of these assets will be completed by the external auditors during final closure of NGO activities in August 2016.

Based on the assets disposal proposal, all EEP assets will be transfer/sold in consultation with DFID. Assets under EEP/Shiree will be reallocated before project closure in September 2016.

Fraud Management

During the quarter, the outsourcing external auditors MABS J Partners submitted the investigation report on Akota, the sub partner of Practical Action, Bangladesh (PAB). Following this report, Akota and PAB were required to take the following actions as per EEP/Shiree (DFID-GoB) and Practical Action financial rules and procedures:

• Refund the identified amount of BDT 259,560 and deposit it in the project bank account by the latest 19 May 2016;

• Redistribute this amount to the identified beneficiaries by the investigation team by May 30, 2016 (with the approval and supervision of Practical Action, Bangladesh);

• To undertake disciplinary action against the concerned staff of Akota associated with this misappropriation;

• To end the Practical Action, Bangladesh (PAB) partnership contract with Akota, which was done on 30 June 2016. There was no further extension of that contract.

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Workshop

A half day discussion meeting was organised on 13 June 2016 with 14 Scale Fund project accountant, finance managers and head of accounts. The objective of the workshop was to share some issues related to budgetary under/over spend with a highlight on the lower achievement rate under Direct Delivery until April 2016. EEP/Shiree requested the NGOs to provide an assurance statement on the spending under Direct Delivery with an overall over/under spend. It was discussed during the session that the closing of the Grantees Accountable Grant Agreements is on 31 August 2016 and EEP/Shiree would coordinate the external audit as a part of closure procedure.

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Human Resource Management Human resource management

Presentation Skills Development Training

Presentation Skills Training was held during 31 May 2016 - 2 June 2016. 18 Shiree/PMTC officials were participated. This useful training was organised by PMTC Bangladesh.

Staff Departures

1. Md. Salauddin, Driver, left the programme in June 2016 in accordance with the wind-down plan of EEP.

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ANNEXES

Annex-1: Progress against Annual LogFrame Targets

Outcome Indicator 1 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

1. Number of people graduated from extreme poverty (gender segregated)

229,071 BHH, 852,816 people (F: 436,001, M: 416,815).

No target

294,945 BHH, 1142,350 People (F: 610,815, M: 531,535)

Outcome Indicator 2 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

2.1. Improved nutritional status of target groups for the Accelerated Improved Nutrition for Extreme Poor in Bangladesh project -under 2 children

3 % point reduction in stunting and 5 % point reduction in anaemia.

No target 7.5% Reduction in stunting (from 40.8% in 2013 to 33.3% in 2015). 0.5 % reduction in anaemia (from 71.7% in 2013 to 71.2% in 2015)

2.2. Improved nutritional status of target groups for the Accelerated Improved Nutrition for Extreme Poor in Bangladesh project -pregnant and breast feeding mothers and adolescent girls

• 5 % point reduction in anaemia in pregnant and breast feeding women and adolescent.

• 5% point reduction in thinness in adolescent girls.

No target 8% Reduction in anaemia in pregnant and breast feeding women and adolescent, and 1.2% reduction in thinness in adolescent girls.

Outcome Indicator 3 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

3. Actions, attributable to EEP advocacy effort, taken by government, donors, private sector and non-state actors that impact on the key livelihood constraints faced by the extreme poor.

Target 2016 (Ext)-40 (cum) significant local or national actions attributable to EEP interventions

No Target 30 independent actions attributable to EEP interventions

Output Indicator 1 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

1.1 Extreme Poor Direct beneficiary households (people) that have received first intervention of livelihood support (cash transfer or asset transfer/training) for

281,850 BHH 1,047,269 people F: 559,975, M: 487,294.

No target 282,650 BHH (1,082,915 people)

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Scale Fund activities (cum)

1.2 Extreme Poor Direct beneficiary households (people) that have received supplementary support for Scale Fund activities (cum) based on CMS 2 census snapshot monitoring data

14,666 BHH 54,949 people F: 29,381, M: 25,568

No target 14,725 BHHs 54,949 people F: 29,381, M: 25,568

1.3 Proportion of direct transfer cost in NGO budget

Average value 56% No target 57.5%

Output Indicator 2 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

2.1 Extreme Poor Households (people) that have received first intervention of livelihood support (asset transfer, cash transfer, training) for Innovation Fund activities

26,963 BHHs 103,657 people F: 55,425, M: 48,232

No target 26,859 BHHs 103,345 people F: 55,259, M: 48,086

2.2 Innovation fund lesson learning reports produced

100% of projects at end of cycle (within 3 months of close = 27 reports)

No target 27 reports

2.3 Innovations that progress to Scale

4 (cum) (no annual target)

No target 5

Output Indicator 3 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

3.1 Findings of extreme poverty relevant research disseminated among EP actors in Bangladesh through publication

32 (cum) working papers and/or policy briefs published via website.

Target - 6 47 (cum working paper and policy brief)

3.2 Thematic reports and web-based visualisation based on CMS data disseminated among EP actors in Bangladesh

11 CMS based reports Target - 3 12 CMS based report

3.3 Participation in EEP facilitated research forums (meetings or online) from a diverse set of relevant organisations that contribute to dialogue and increased understanding of extreme poverty and

400 (cum) participants across 5 categories of participants (donor agency, NGO, research/academic organisations, government bodies, projects, other).

Target - 100

1,010 (cum) participants across five categories

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ways of reducing extreme poverty

Output Indicator 4 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

4.1 National and subnational fora at which the challenges faced by the extreme poor are presented and discussed

At least 7 national and 14 sub national advocacy events /campaigns (cum). (Annual target 1 national and 2 sub national advocacy events)

Target - 1 23 national, 28 regional/district level workshops (cum).

4.2 Public Media coverage of the challenges faced by the extreme poor

60 (cum) national newspaper pieces (>500 words, >30% in Bangla) or radio interviews or TV bulletins.

Target - 10 97 (cum) national newspaper pieces/ supplements; and 5 radio discussion (cum)

4.3 Level of awareness of entitlements to safety nets

3% report don’t know. (no annual target)

No target 3% do not know.

Output Indicator 5 Milestone 2016 Quarter 2, 2016 (April - June)

Cumulative Progress till June 2016

5.1 Number of households receiving regular visits from nutrition volunteers

• 90% mothers = 2,686 out of total 2,985

• 90% < 2 year old children = 6,183 out of total 6,870

• 98% of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers = 2,950 out of 3,010;

• 97% of targeted < 2 year old children

• 98% of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers = 2,950 out of 3,010;

• 97% of targeted < 2 year old children = 6170 out of 6,340

5.2 Targeted beneficiaries receiving either Iron and folic acid tablets or multiple micronutrient supplements

• 85% Pregnant and breast feeding women Receiving IFA = 2,537 out of total 2,985

• 85% adolescent girls receiving IFA 8,489 out of total 9,987

• 85% children 6-23 months receiving MNS (n = 4,397) out of total 5,173

• 94% of targeted pregnant and breastfeeding women received IFA = 2,844 out of 3,010;

• 94% of targeted adolescent girls received IFA = 9,361 out of 9,949;

• 92% children 6-23 months received MNS = 3,977 out of 4,332

• 94% of targeted pregnant and breastfeeding women received IFA = 2,844 out of 3,010;

• 94% of targeted adolescent girls received IFA = 9,361 out of 9,949;

• 92% children 6-23 months received MNS = 3,977 out of 4,332

5.3 Innovation for increasing access to high quality diet and diversity

At 4 innovations that increased access to household high-

No Target 0

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for the extreme poor tested, evaluated and lessons shared

quality diet and diversity tested and evidence shared (no annual target)

Notes:

• 98% mothers = 2,950 out of total 3,010 • 97% < 2 years old children = 6,170 out of total 6,340 • 94% pregnant and breastfeeding women received IFA = 2,844 out of total 3,010 • 94% adolescent girls received IFA = 9,361 out of total 9949 • 92% children 6-23 months old received MNS = 3,977 out of 4,332

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Annex-2: Financial Summary (April 2016 – June 2016) Amount in GBP

Particulars Overall Contract

Budget (as per CA-9)

Accumulate up to

31 March 2016

isbursement in April 2016

Disbursement in May 2016

Disbursement in June 2016

Quarter 2 total disbursement (April to June

2016)

Accumulated disbursement

as of 30 June 2016

Remaining Balance as on 30 June 2016

Management 6,585,112 6,169,699 63,870 66,209 63,045 193,124 6,362,823 222,289.00 Lesson learning &

Advocacy 1,509,395 1,390,724 9,822 18,335 14,382 42,539 1,433,263 76,131.90

Nutrition 283,087 269,462 2,334 2,627 3,854 8,815 278,277 4,810.44 Total Management

Costs (Fees) 8,377,594 7,829,885 76,025 87,171 81,281 244,478 8,074,363 303,231

Management 1,600,620 1,478,190 14,991 15,264 16,885 47,140 1,525,330 75,290.18

TA 251,050 267,716 1,579 - 400 1,979 269,696 (18,645.52) Lesson Learning &

Advocacy 457,950 387,136 6,183 2,681 3,894 12,757 399,893 58,057.13

Nutrition 17,891 13,956 34 - - 34 13,990 3,900.85 Sub-total of

Reimbursable Expenses 2,327,511 2,146,998 22,787 17,945 21,178 61,911 2,208,908 118,603

Lesson learning & advocacy 1,598,051 1,358,337 67,050 17,076 20,268 104,394 1,462,731 135,320.02

Scale Fund 56,815,750 56,292,459 - 148,924 - 148,924 56,441,383 374,367.35

Innovation Fund 10,035,231 9,881,030 - - - - 9,881,030 154,201.00

Nutrition 4,286,808 4,349,509 - 32,644 - 32,644 4,382,153 (95,344.55)

Management Funds 72,735,840 71,881,334 67,050 198,644 20,268 285,962 72,167,296 568,544

Finance Charges 90,357 90,364 160 160 90,523 (166.30)

Total 83,531,302 81,948,581 165,862 303,760 122,887 592,510 82,541,091 990,211

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Annex-3: EEP/Shiree Organogram as of 30 June 2016

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Annex-4: EEP/Shiree District and Beneficiary Household Coverage

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