PL-480, Title II, Food for Work impact evaluation : recipient profile study; Catholic Relief Services (Madras Zone)

480 Title II Food for Work (FFW) program in Madras, India. Impact evaluation covers the period 6/81-6/82 and is based a sample survey of 367 food recipients in 37 projects for a total of 18 consignee-activity combinations (CAC"s) - all in Tamil Nadu. By activity, those interviewed were involved in well-deepening (122); building tanks (55), roads (49), and low-cost housing (92); land-leveling (20); and vocational training (29). Those still active in FFW projects numbered 66. Daily, weekly, and fortnightly payments averaged, respectively, 3.6 kg, 21.6, and 45 kg of bulgar and 125, 750, and 1,750 grams of oil. Some 95% of all recipients shared their food with their families, half of the time with children aged 1-14. Little difference was found in nutritional intake between active recipient families and inactive recipient families (57% and 54% above minimum, respectively); as usual, protein deficiency was lower than calorie deficiency (76% and 72% of active and inactive families, respectively, were above the norm for protein intake). Calorie/protein intake did not differ notably among castes or according to the size of land holdings, but did tend to rise with increased income. Analyzed by Indian weight-for-age norms, the nutritional status of the children in active and inactive families did not notably differ: nutritional normalcy was found in 20% and 26% and mild malnutrition in 51% and 54% of the two groups respectively. Sex differences were not significant. Similar results were found when children were analyzed by the Indian height-for-age index and by American norms. FFW projects provided 63 person-days of employment a year and 34 days to two other members of the family. Person-days in non-FFW work for recipients and their families totaled, respectively, 157 and 240. FFW was responsible for 37% of the increase from 2,100 Rs. to 4,912 Rs. in average family income experienced by recipient families since the FFW program began. Data are also presented on recipients" socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and on the organizational structure of FFW.