SINDH RURAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATION

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Against Rain & Flood-2022

SRSO Distributions

  • Rs.1.37 billion by extending
  • Their immediate relief and recovery
  • Services to 186,331 families of
  • Pakistan under SRSO Flood
  • Emergency Response 2022
  • From August-December 2022.

Balanced Energy–Protein (BEP) Rural Market Test

Balanced Energy–Protein (BEP) Rural Market Test_2

Donor/s:  BILL & MELINDA GATES Foundation

Partner/s:  Rural Support Program Network (RSPN) & Hystra

Covering District/s: (Kamber-Shahdadkot) & (Jacobabad).

Duration:  January 2022 to December 2023

Project Objective:

To increase the availability of nutritious, protein-rich foods to the poorest population.

Major Activities:

Pakistan has a high burden of poor nutrition among pregnant and lactating women (PLW) resulting in high levels of stunting and other sub-optimal birth outcomes. The private sector maternal nutrition market is currently underdeveloped at around USD 3m per annum and reaching a small number of PLW. While the adult nutrition market is growing (projected 6.9/% Communed Annual Growth Rate). This growth is expected to be more in generic protein supplements rather than specific maternal nutrition products.
The foundation team has analyzed and developed a strategy to commercialize a nutritious, fortified food supplement for pregnant and lactating women (PLWs): a first step in making such products accessible, affordable, and acceptable.
To establish build and grow a market for maternal nutrition. We are now seeking to launch the product through various market delivery channels at an accessible price for wealth quintiles.

  • SRSO entered into a partnership with RSPN to conduct the BEP Rural Market Test in the Kamber-Shahdadkot district of the Sindh province. This is a two-year project that would seek to test the potential uptake and consumption frequency of BEP as well as its impact on the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women (PLW) when sold via private channels at a subsidized price.
  • Identification of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and training to build their technical knowledge about nutrition and registration of PLWs.
  • Door-to-door marketing and distribution network supported by targeted awareness sessions with husbands and mothers-in-laws to motivate them and encourage their spouses to take BEP for better health and nutrition.
  • Printing of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material.
  • Marketing activities for the promotion of BEP in rural areas including radio campaigns, community Theaters, SMS campaigns, etc.
  • Set up and manage a robust cash-handling system throughout the value chain.
  • Monthly meetings of Community Resource Persons (CRPs).
  • Collecting learnings, tracking performance against set KPIs, and tweaking.