Fostering and securing self-sustaining climate resilient-cum-adaptive agriculture and livelihoods is the objective of the U3 programme running in West Bengal, Karnataka and Telangana. The programme targets 10,359 households of the marginalized farming community, but understanding the current status is vital to measure the change in future.

Caritas India conducted a virtual orientation on Baseline Data Collection for the U3 programme partners on 11th May 2022. The sessions were facilitated by the Lead – Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) Mr. Dileesh & Dr. Haridas V.R, U3 Program Lead of Caritas India.

Sharing the agenda and objective of the baseline survey workshop, Ms. Catherine, the Program Associate of U3 gave a head start to the workshop. The baseline data collection emphasized on finding the baseline values for indicators at the output and outcome level listed in the project logical framework matrix. It provides inputs on the existing scenario in the project implementation area to adapt the right project implementation strategy.

The baseline assessment will measure the knowledge, and practice of targeted households concerning various climate adaptive agriculture, Government schemes, and community-based activities. It will also measure the incomes of 100% of target households i.e., 10359 in the intervention area will be covered for the baseline survey. The team will be using the Kobo tool to collect data from the field.

Dr. Haridas flagged the importance of constant monitoring & accompaniment to ensure quality checks on the changes taking place in the communities through the intervention of U3. The mock test session was facilitated by the State Program Associates-Mr. Bablu, Mr. Robert & Ms. Usha of Caritas India to ensure that the Project Implementors & the Community Educators are well capacitated in filling the questionnaire & terminology used. The translated version of the survey will be used for collecting the survey.

Mr. Ghanshyam, Head of Programme, Caritas India stressed setting a benchmark at the beginning of our intervention which will later help us to measure the progress made at the end. The U3 programme is running on a People Led Development approach supported by Misereor, Germany and built on the knowledge and awareness of the communities to secure their nutrition and livelihoods to foster climate-resilient agriculture for self-sustenance.