BIG Pilot Project - Assessment Report - BIG Coalition Namibia
BIG Pilot Project - Assessment Report - BIG Coalition Namibia
BIG Pilot Project - Assessment Report - BIG Coalition Namibia
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYIn January 2008, the Basic Income Grant (<strong>BIG</strong>) pilot projectcommenced in the Otjivero-Omitara area, about 100 kilometreseast of Windhoek. All residents below the age of 60 years receivea Basic Income Grant of N$100 per person per month, withoutany conditions being attached. The grant is being given to everyperson registered as living there in July 2007, whatever theirsocial and economic status.This <strong>BIG</strong> pilot project is designed and implemented by the <strong>Namibia</strong>nBasic Income Grant <strong>Coalition</strong> (established in 2004) 2 and isthe first universal cash-transfer pilot project in the world. The<strong>BIG</strong> <strong>Coalition</strong> aims to practically pilot the <strong>Namibia</strong>n Government'sNAMTAX recommendation of a <strong>BIG</strong> for <strong>Namibia</strong>. Thus the<strong>BIG</strong> <strong>Coalition</strong> regards this project as the first step towards a <strong>BIG</strong>for all. The <strong>BIG</strong> <strong>Coalition</strong> consists of four big umbrella bodies in<strong>Namibia</strong>, namely, Council of Churches (CCN), the <strong>Namibia</strong>nUnion of <strong>Namibia</strong>n Workers (NUNW), the <strong>Namibia</strong>n NGO Forum(NANGOF) and the <strong>Namibia</strong>n Network of AIDS Service Organisations(NANASO). Funds to start the pilot project were raisedthrough voluntary contributions from supporters of the ideafrom all sections of <strong>Namibia</strong>'s society, and by support frompeople, churches, organisations and donors in other countries.The <strong>BIG</strong> pilot project will run for a period of 24 months up toDecember 2009.The effects of the <strong>BIG</strong> pilot project are evaluated on an on-goingbasis. Four complementary methods were used. First, a baselinesurvey was conducted in November 2007. Second, panel surveyswere conducted in July and November 2008. Third, informationwas gathered from key informants in the area. Fourth, a series ofdetailed case studies of individuals living in Otjivero-Omitarawas carried out.2 The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of <strong>Namibia</strong> (ELCRN) withits Desk for Social Development (DfSD) is the legal administrative and financialhome responsible for the implementation of the <strong>BIG</strong> <strong>Pilot</strong> <strong>Project</strong> onbehalf of the <strong>BIG</strong> <strong>Coalition</strong>.13
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