The Rural Poverty Alleviation Program was initiated with the overall objective to build capacity of key ministries, departments and agencies at national, regional, and community level to implant an enhanced program for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. The program was divided into two phases. The preparatory phase was carried out during January – December,
1998, and Phase II was the implementation which was done from 1999-2002. There were three sub-projects under this umbrella.