Community-Driven Development with Multisectoral Approach: A Case Study from Pakistan

Abstract

Background: NGOs are non-profit organizations that complement government efforts to address service-delivery gaps through counselling and implementation of community-driven programs in low-resource settings.

Objective: The present case study evaluates the HANDS Welfare Foundation’s evolution as a leading organization and how organizational strategies and policy outcomes become a model of integrated, community-driven development.

Methodology: The current study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology using a document-based approach. Data were extracted from existing literature, official websites, media, and HANDS’ organizational reports (1979–2024). Thematic analysis was carried out to build programmatic domains, including education, health, WASH, livelihoods, and disaster management services.

Results: The findings showed a 46-year journey of an organization that evolved from a single-room office to 59 districts across the country. Analysis explored that HANDS strategically set its goals with a basic to multisectoral approach to attain long-term sustainability, with ever-increasing progress year after year.

Conclusion: The 46-year journey of HANDS serves as a replicable model of a multisectoral approach for community-driven development.