Assessing Impact of The Covid-19 Pandemic on The Socio-Economic Situation of Vulnerable Populations Through Community Based Monitoring (CBM)

Overview:

UNICEF and the Institute for Human Development (IHD) collaborated on a project to assess the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations. The project aimed to generate field-based evidence and develop policy briefs to inform policymakers about the ground-level situation.

Aims and Objectives: The research aims to generate evidence by quickly analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations. It will examine a broad range of issues, including livelihoods, access to essential goods and services, awareness of health and hygiene issues, and the receipt of direct benefit transfers and social protection services.

Based on the findings, the study will provide policy recommendations to support policymaking at the district and state levels, with the goal of mitigating current and future inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Methodology: The study utilized Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) to gather information from marginalized populations through civil society organizations and community volunteers. This process was conducted over four phases from June to December 2020 and included 12 districts (6 rural and 6 urban) across seven states.

Selection criteria for the states and districts included high COVID-19 incidence as of April 2020, a strong existing CSO structure and network to facilitate data collection, rural districts with significant numbers of returning migrants and vulnerable populations, and urban districts with large slum populations and a high likelihood of COVID-19 transmission and out-migration.

Phases:

1. Phase 1 (June-July 2020):
   • Covered approximately 5,000 households.
2. Phase 2 (August-September 2020):
   • Covered approximately 6,000 households.
3. Phase 3 (October-November 2020):
   • Covered approximately 6,000 households.
4. Phase 4 (December 2020):
   • Covered approximately 6,000 households.

Key Findings:

• The CBM revealed the real challenges faced by vulnerable families during the pandemic, including disruptions in livelihoods, access to essential goods and services, and issues related to health and hygiene.

Expected Output:

• State Policy Briefs: Prepared for each state to guide local policy interventions.
• Final Report: To be submitted at the end of the project, consolidating findings and recommendations.

Policy Implications:

1. Evidence-Based Policy Making: Utilize CBM data to design targeted interventions for supporting vulnerable populations and create policies that address disparities in resource and service access, ensuring equitable recovery from the pandemic.
2. Support for Livelihoods and Services: Strengthen social protection measures and direct benefit transfers, and improve access to essential goods and services, especially in marginalized communities.

This comprehensive assessment underscores the need for targeted policy responses to support the socio-economic recovery of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.