Saving Lives and Livelihoods by supporting Food Security, Small and Medium Enterprises and Universal Social Protection Mechanisms to coup with COVID 19 Impacts in Pakistan

Saving Lives and Livelihoods by supporting Food Security, Small and Medium Enterprises and Universal Social Protection Mechanisms to coup with COVID 19 Impacts in Pakistan

Project Partner/Donor: IDRC

Project Duration: 36 Months

Team members: Thematic Team Leads 1. Dr Abid Suleri Team Food Security. 2. Dr Vaqar Ahmed Team Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and 3. Dr Sajid Amin Team Social Protection

Project Introduction: This project has a multi-sectoral thematic focus and looks to support the Government of Pakistan, in the wake of COVID-19, in maintaining essential economic activity, and protecting workers and smaller producers. Key elements of this project include documenting evidence on COVID-19’s impact, evidence-based input informing response strategies during relief and recovery phases, and strengthening local research with the focus on food security, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and social protection systems.

Project Objectives: Short and Medium Term:  - Exploratory Research for evidence of impact - Preliminary assessment of data/evidence - Evidence generation for setting up a food security dashboard - Mapping and assessment of govt. response to COVID 19 - Meta analysis of existing literature to gauge global best practices for respective sectors Long Term: - Gearing towards evidence-based recovery  strategies - Consolidation of lessons learned from previous phases - Multipronged advocacy and outreach strategy Cross-cutting Objectives: - Media engagement for research findings dissemination - Creation and strengthening of existing platforms for dialogue between public and private stakeholders

Project Outcomes: - To propose policies for ensuring food security and economic recovery, which are inclusive in job creation and aligned with SDGs' priority agenda of federal and provincial governments. - To produce consolidated research on effectiveness of government stimulus plans in the above-mentioned areas. - Through advocacy, sensitize policymakers on the issues of policy concerns and setting priorities for investment in the upcoming and the following annual budgets.