Project Details.

The feasibility study was commissioned to assess the viability of the proposed project titled “Strengthening Food Security and Resilience of People With and Without Disabilities and Their Communities in Chitral and Shangla Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, Pakistan.” The project, jointly designed by CBM and NIDA, aimed to address chronic food insecurity, livelihood limitations, and socio-economic vulnerabilities in two remote mountainous districts—Chitral and Shangla—where poverty levels exceed national averages and communities remain highly exposed to climate shocks such as floods and GLOFs. The proposed BMZ-funded project sought to enhance household income, diversify livelihoods, improve agricultural productivity, and expand access to social protection schemes for marginalized households, including people with disabilities. Its specific objective is to strengthen food and nutrition security and ensure the sustainable inclusion of persons with disabilities in community systems, services, and livelihood opportunities. 

The project’s intended interventions include vocational and enterprise development training, crop diversification, honey beekeeping, livestock management, kitchen gardening, rehabilitation of health and education facilities for accessibility, establishment of community groups, and targeted capacity-building for local institutions. With a planned duration from 1 October 2025 to 31 December 2028, the project aimed to directly benefit 500 individuals and support over 2,500 households through agricultural initiatives, with indirect benefits reaching 88,000 individuals across targeted union councils. The feasibility study provides a comprehensive assessment of contextual challenges, implementation barriers, institutional capacities, disaster risks, socio-economic dynamics, and the specific accessibility limitations faced by people with disabilities. 

HIMAT Consulting conducted the full feasibility assessment using a robust, participatory, disability-inclusive, and gender-responsive methodology. The technical team was responsible for the following key services: Inception and Planning Held initial coordination meetings with CBM and NIDA to clarify expectations, refine objectives, and validate the methodological framework. 

HIMAT Consulting developed a comprehensive inception report detailing the evaluation framework, sampling approach, data collection strategy, and analytical plan. Document Review and Context Analysis Conducted a detailed desk review of policy documents, district data, project design materials, CBM and NIDA programme portfolios, and secondary research on poverty, food security, climate vulnerability, and disability inclusion in KP. Stakeholder Engagement and Field Consultations Conducted extensive field consultations in both Chitral and Shangla, engaging persons with and without disabilities, community leaders, government officials, frontline service providers, and implementing partner teams. 

HIMAT Consulting facilitated Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with local authorities, line departments, disability organizations, and institutional stakeholders. HIMAT Consulting conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with male and female community members, youth, farmers, persons with disabilities, and caregivers. Administered a household survey to collect insights from potential beneficiaries. Disability-Inclusive Data Collection Integrated the Washington Group Questions and gender/age variables into all data tools. Ensured accessible, ethical, and inclusive participation for people with diverse disabilities. Analysis and Feasibility Assessment Conducted a mixed-methods analysis using DAC criteria (relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability).