Development Pilot Projects

Financing of development pilot projects is one of the major activities undertaken by AARDO in its member countries. AARDO lays emphasis on encouraging the member countries to undertake such projects which would make significant contribution in the development of their rural areas and contribute effectively in alleviation of poverty, providing good living conditions, income and employment generation, etc. Under this programme, AARDO provides financial assistance up to a maximum of US$ 50,000 (US Dollars fifty thousand) per project as approved by the Fourteenth (14th) General Session of AARDO Conference held at Cairo, Egypt during 16-17 September 2002. Although, the projects are undertaken on a limited scale, they help the member countries to introduce new technologies, replicate proven technologies, develop infrastructure, promote micro-enterprises, skill enhancement and generate employment for the rural people to alleviate poverty.

AARDO had introduced 'micro-credit' model in the year 2000 to help its member countries in their efforts towards alleviation of rural poverty. Under this model, beneficiaries of the project are given loan on "no-interest, no-collateral" basis. The beneficiaries are required to repay the interest-free loan to the implementing agency over a period of time. This loan is, thus, treated as a revolving fund and deposited in a bank. Recipient country hence gets an opportunity to replicate the project either in the same location or elsewhere. AARDO has successfully financed some projects based on micro-credit as a significant component. These projects have yielded good results.

During the triennium 2021-2023 and extended year 2024, the implementation of a development pilot project would incorporate a suitable mechanism of monitoring and evaluation; for which, a suitable amount would be allocated in the budget of the pilot project. The AARDO’s development pilot projects would be implemented in partnership with concerned government, community/beneficiaries as well the financial institutions.

Considering the importance of the activity, AARDO proposes to finance a maximum of Six (06) development pilot projects in the member countries during the triennium 2021-2023 and extended year 2024. Besides, AARDO continues to make efforts collaborating with economically sound member countries and exploring possible funding from various agencies to finance/implement some of the projects.