This study builds on existing randomized controlled trial (RCT) data from the 2016 Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) cohort and extends the panel to assess the program’s enduring impacts years after implementation.
Researchers: Atiya Rahman; Marjan M Hossain
Partners: BRAC; Gates Foundation
Timeline: 2023–2026
Status: Ongoing
Contact: atiya.rahman@bracu.ac.bd
Context
In 2016, BRAC implemented a credit-based Ultra-Poor Graduation Program (UPGP) to support ultra-poor households in building sustainable livelihoods through enterprise training, coaching, consumption support, and access to credit. While earlier evaluations documented short- and medium-term impacts on income and asset accumulation, less is known about whether these gains persist over time and translate into broader multidimensional improvements in well-being. This study leverages existing randomized controlled trial (RCT) data from the 2016 cohort and extends the panel to assess the enduring impacts of the program several years after implementation.
Objective
The objective is to examine the causal relationship between participation in the 2016 UPG intervention and long-term household and individual outcomes. The study will assess impacts on economic conditions, labor market participation, migration, occupational choices, income and expenditure, asset ownership, educational attainment, social networks, empowerment, marriage outcomes, food consumption, fertility, and health indicators.
This research contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by evaluating whether credit-based graduation models generate sustained multidimensional improvements in well-being.
Methodology
The study builds on panel data from the baseline (2016) and follow-up survey (2018). By conducting a new in-person follow-up survey, the research will compare treatment and control households to estimate the long-term program impacts. By combining longitudinal quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, the study aims to provide rigorous evidence on the sustained impact of the 2016 UPG intervention on poverty reduction and household well-being.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming.
