The Impact Tool Box – NGO IDEAs….

Development Interventions produce multiple effects. The animation of self help groups in the field of savings and credit scheme and its success is the recent effect the world is watching out. But if one is asked if we have quantified the impacts generated out of S&C programme the answer will be yes. But is it holistic and reliable is the research question. Tracing the effect of planned intervention require the support of scientifically proven tools too.

What is effect? The effect can be long term or short term; positive or negative; primary or secondary; direct or indirect; and most importantly intended or unintended. Stock taking of this EFFECT in a scientific procedure is the crux of this novel concept of IMPACT Assessment. All these are put in a quill as tools and named as IMPACT TOOL BOX.

This novel concept WAS INCUBATED under the umbrella of NGO-IDEAs banner with the support of 32 Indian partners and 15 German partners who are active in promotion of Savings & Credit programme.

The key features of this Impact Toolbox are

Tool box is a combination of small number of tools that are attuned to one another. These tools though form a methodical whole can also be applied individually subject to the scale and degree of NGO operations

• The tools are bundle of different ones which are simple and in practice. One can use on their own without much assistance
• The identified indicators are quantifiable and used for disaggregation and tracking of mobility
• The tool is simple and participatory. It demands on going decisions to establish impact
• This can be used for reporting as and when need arises

This Tool Box comprises of four major tools and adequate supportive tools. The four major tools like Participatory Wealth Ranking [PWR], Situational Analysis & Goal Establishment [SAGE], Performance Assessment of Groups [PAG], and Performance Assessment of NGOs [PANgo] are the major ones with appropriate indices to measure the impact. Here an assessment of stake holders at all levels is possible. To probe in further and understand in depth there are also some suggestive tools to yield further information. Control group analysis, Cause-Effect analysis, Gender Disaggregation and Poverty Disaggregation are some of the suggested supportive tools. There is no limit to supportive tools and this can be added to the kit subject to one’s need and research.

The unique feature of this toolbox is the prevalence of an organic link established between all the tools thus, providing a framework to ensure better control mechanism and enabling a meaningful intervention plan.

This bundle of tools is simple only because it has spurred out from people’s knowledge and know-how. Enables one to seek answers on questions such as:

• What can the groups and NGOs do to improve impacts?
• What strategy could NGO device?
• What it means to project managers who are in the field?

The steps proposed for analysis and decision making have been a great support for the organisations, who have attempted to track impact, in steering the activities in an impact-oriented manner.

For further details or requirements please contact the Executive Director at info@kkid.org