INITIAL PHASE ACTIVITIES

Surveys For DESI, data collection is a process and not an event. Information on citizens is a basic tool for Gram Panchayats level planning. Hence, DESI initiated people based surveys and micro-planning throughout India. A data collection tool has been developed for general population data, sectoral data, exploitation data, resource data and organizational data. NGOs/CBOs have been trained to collect data and analyse the same. Training and Participatory Evaluations and Strategy Development: DESI has initiated several participatory evaluations (PEs) in different belts throughout India. These evaluations have been conducted with the sponsorships of Donors like Ford Foundation, Tear Fund Netherlands, USAID etc. The outcome of PEs has led to project restructuring from a service delivery approach to a participatory and empowerment approach. PE is a process of participatory data collection and self evaluation / self-reflection during which a process of change is facilitated in a non-threatening atmosphere in order to identify the successes and weaknesses as well as jointly design improved strategies for better performance of the projects.