Asset transfers help poor households graduate from poverty, but without resilience to shocks, many risk falling back
The National Poverty Graduation Programme significantly increased incomes, consumption, and graduation rates among ultra-poor households in Pakistan. However, climate shocks, asset losses, and limited progress in women’s empowerment highlight the need for greater climate resilience, gender sensitivity, and market linkages to ensure sustainable graduation.
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Nawaz-Zizzamia-Iqbal-Policy-Brief-October-2025.pdf
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- The National Poverty Graduation Programme NPGP raised incomes (↑49%), consumption (↑55%), and graduation rates (84% of ultra-poor above PSC 16).
- Yet, only 58% achieved sustainable graduation (PSC > 23).
- Climate shocks—especially the 2022 floods—caused widespread losses, with 30% of households losing programme assets.
- Women’s empowerment gains were modest and need stronger complementary actions.
- Graduation is possible, but sustainability requires climate resilience, gender sensitivity, and stronger market linkages.