The following results are based on field investigations in Chuluut Sum conducted from 23/8/95 to 30/8/95 by a 7 person team consisting of CSD/SCF staff members and an FAO headquarters officer. The investigations were guided by TOR drawn-up by the FAO TCP team leader, as part of a broader FAO mission in Arkhangai. The study was divided into two components:
(a) a 2 1/2 days interview sequence with herders based on PRA techniques: These field investigations were outlined to target mainly poor herding households who had been identified through a wealth ranking exercise right at the beginning of investigations. Following a modified “sondeo approach” the team worked in 3-4 sub-teams and in two different bags namely Khurmen bag (No. V) and Zuu mod bag (No. II). In total the team reached 15 different households including the two bag governors households, 3 middling rich households, and 10 poor households. In addition the sum Governor was intensively consulted. Each single interview session lasted between 2-3 hours focusing on the issues given in the table of contents of this report. Each single session provided deep insights into household strategies and poverty perceptions.The results of both study components are put together within chapters II-III of this report. They are based on herders and sum centre inhabitants perceptions only. Chapter IV adds impressions, conclusions drawn by the research team, and its recommendations for further project activities and project investigations.(b) a 3 day training workshop in PRA techniques using exclusively poverty related topics for the frequent practical exercises conducted during the training (Annex 7, Workshop agenda). The workshop brought together representatives from the Sum Government, bag governors, herders representatives and poor households from the sum centre. Total number of participants was 20. Discussions were very open, and animated between the different groups of participants, thus offering an optimal forum for the research team to analyze and compare poverty perceptions of the different groups, as well as their approaches and proposals to alleviate poverty. A list of participants is attached in Annex 1.
Both herders and sum centre representatives were extremely open minded and cooperative thus facilitating the study significantly. The research team wishes to take this opportunity to express its deep thank to all concerned people in Chulut sum for this positive and valuable experience.
