Integrated improvement program for the urban poor : an orientation for project design and implementation, volume I

This state-of-the-art report presents guidelines for designing and implementing IIPUP projects. Fundamental assumptions of IIPUP are that assistance programs should address both the causes and consequences of urban poverty in ways that are comprehensive (to address many different needs simultaneously) and integrated (to minimize duplication and improve efficiency). Besides establishing appropriate goals and purposes, IIPUP project designs should identify beneficiaries and select those project components most likely to meet the former"s needs; choose appropriate ways to integrate services in concrete circumstances; provide adequate funding and ensure continuity of financing after the initial project phase; plan for gradual project implementation in accordance with the degree of host country acceptance; and, if need be, initiate changes in existing laws. A wide range of organizational, operational, and personnel problems face IIPUP project management. Pre-planning may remove some causes of conflict between participating agencies. Appointment of an appropriate project manager or chairperson of the project executive committee is a key element in successful implementation. Training components must often be included to provide adequately trained personnel for project implementation. A large amount of information, most of it available from secondary sources or interviews with host country officials, is required to plan and evaluate IIPUP projects. It is important, however, to limit data collection to what is actually needed. Several survey methods are available, including a simple method using aerial photographs. Effective project evaluation is important to improve the design of later projects.