IDPoor – GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) 

Pegotec’s Pivotal Role in Advancing the IDPoor Program in Cambodia

Creating Opportunities and Elevating Lives through Technological Excellence

Over the past two decades, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has been making significant strides in Cambodia, offering technical support and promoting sustainable development capacities. As a federal enterprise of the German government, GIZ’s persistent efforts have been instrumental in addressing poverty in Cambodia.

The Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have provided vital assistance to GIZ, successfully launching its key project in Cambodia, the Identification of Poor Households Programme (IDPoor). Designed to identify poor households, the IDPoor program facilitates access to various social services aimed at poverty reduction. With the IDPoor mechanism now implemented nationwide in all rural areas of Cambodia, a complete coverage cycle is ensured every three years.

Having completed 12 data collection rounds in rural areas and three in urban areas since 2016, the IDPoor Program Cambodia system is a testament to GIZ’s commitment to poverty eradication. To further refine the urban poverty identification process, a distinctive questionnaire has been developed to align with the urban poverty identification requirements.

Digital Revolution in Poverty Identification: The Birth of the OD-IDPoor System

In 2017, to further modernize work processes and the overall IDPoor program, the Ministry of Planning (MOP) of the Royal Government of Cambodia, supported by GIZ, initiated an IT reform project. The result? A comprehensive, web-based platform capable of accommodating all work processes within the IDPoor system. This initiative has been instrumental in data collection, with over 7 million household records registered in the IDPoor database. Furthermore, decision-making, poverty analysis, and the provision of social services to eligible households holding an active Equity Card.

In the subsequent years, the MOP, with continued support from GIZ, developed the On-Demand IDPoor (OD-IDPoor) system. Unlike the traditional cyclical data collection method, the OD-IDPoor allows households to self-identify and initiate the interview process. If found eligible, they are provided with an Equity Card.

Pegotec: A Catalyst in the Mobile App IDPoor Revolution for the IDPoor program

Pegotec, stepping into a crucial role, was instrumental in developing a mobile application. This innovative application, designed for data collection management, results validation, and Equity Card issuance, has remarkably enhanced efficiency and reliability. Impressively administered by commune-level implementers using tablet devices, this application has significantly improved the process.

Overcoming Challenges: IDPoor in the Face of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tested the adaptability and resilience of the IDPoor program. The Cambodian government introduced robust economic and social support mechanisms to cope with the crisis. The COVID-19 Cash Transfer program for Equity Cardholders is a major initiative. As a result of these experiences, the government decided to rely solely on the OD-IDPoor mechanism for data collection and assessment.

During the COVID-19 Cash Transfer program’s tumultuous period, many households, heavily affected by the economic shock, actively sought Equity Cards via the OD-IDPoor mechanism. This surge in demand inevitably led to Pegotec’s application undergoing rigorous testing. Despite facing such intense pressure, the on-demand IDPoor system emerged triumphant, effectively proving its robustness. Consequently, this experience further solidified Pegotec’s pivotal role in combating poverty in Cambodia.

Innovation, Expertise, and Commitment: The Hallmarks of Pegotec’s Involvement

Pegotec’s involvement in the IDPoor project is a testament to its dedication to leveraging technology for societal betterment. With innovative design, high-level security, and user-focused development. With consistent support during times of crisis, Pegotec continues to be a key player in the fight against poverty.