Evaluating the Strategies of NGOs in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Case Study of Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Abstract

The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial in alleviating the socio-economic vulnerabilities in neglected areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) which has high unemployment, poverty and geographical isolation that impedes progress. This paper compares the approaches of two major NGOs the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on how they have tried to alleviate unemployment in GB. AKRSP uses community-based approach, concentrating on women empowerment, infrastructure development, and modernization of agriculture, whereas IFAD uses Economic Transformation Initiative (ETI), which focuses on the agricultural value chains, irrigation infrastructure, and market access. The study uses a qualitative, comparative research method, and it uses both primary and secondary data in order to evaluate effectiveness, sustainability, and community participation of these NGOs. The research results indicate that grassroots efforts, including microfinance and vocational training programs, developed by AKRSP have enabled local communities, but macro-level projects, developed by IFAD, have increased agricultural productivity and connectivity. In spite of all that they have achieved, issues such as geographical isolations, socio-cultural restrictions, and financial barriers still prevail, which should be addressed with more partnership between NGOs, government agencies, and the business sectors. The research highlights the need to have diversified economic policies such as the promotion of agribusiness, vocational training and infrastructure development to deal with unemployment sustainably. It is recommended that skill-based programs should be increased, infrastructure should be enhanced, women empowered economically, and multi-stakeholder partnerships be nurtured to realize the economic potential of GB.

Keywords: NGOs, Gilgit-Baltistan, Unemployment, AKRSP, IFAD, Rural Development, Agricultural Modernization, Women Empowerment, Infrastructure, Sustainability