Emmanuel Development Association T<?

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Final Evaluation of Youth Livelihood Project of EDA Implemented in Akaki and Debre Berhan

January 2012 Addis Ababa

Table of contents
Page Acronyms Acknowledgement Executive summary 1. Introduction 2. Project background 3. Ethiopia: Context analysis 3.1 Demography and poverty 3.2 Youth unemployment 3.3 Policies and programs on youth employment 4. Scope and methodology of evaluation 4.1 Initial discussion with EDA management 4.2 Evaluation questions 4.3 Methodology 4.4 Limitations of the evaluation 4.5 Defining evaluation criteria 5. Evaluation findings 5.1 Assessment of achievements 5.2 Relevance of project 5.3 Effectiveness of interventions 5.4 Efficiency of interventions 5.5 Impact of interventions 5.6 Sustainability of project results 6. Conclusion and recommendations 6.1 Conclusion 6.2 Recommendations 7. Lessons learned Annexes Annex 1 ToR for evaluation Annex 2 List of FGD participants Annex 3 Compilation of case studies Annex 4 Conceptual model of evaluation Annex 5 Definition of terms Annex 6 References 8 9 9 9 10 11 13 13 13 14 17 17 18 18 22 28 31 36 44 47 47 48 51

Acronyms
ACSI AIDS AEMFI AMFI CIDA CSA CSO(s) CSA CSR EDA FGA FGD GoE GTP HIV ICT IGA LIA MEPO M&E MFI MoU NGO(s) OFED OVC PLA RETRAK SBTK SBT SDPRP SKI ToR ToT WCYO Amhara Credit and Saving Institute Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions Addis Micro Finance Institute Canadian International Development Agency Central Statistical Agency Civil Society Organization (s) Central Statistical Authority Corporate Social Responsibility Emmanuel Development Association Family Guidance Association Focus Group Discussion Government of Ethiopia Growth and Transformation Plan Human Immunodeficiency Virus Information Communication Technology Income Generation Activity Life in Abundance Micro and Small Enterprises Promotion Office Monitoring and Evaluation Micro Finance Institute Memorandum of Understanding Non Governmental Organization (s) Office of Finance and Economic Development Orphan and Vulnerable Children Participatory Action and Learning RETRAK (UK based NGO) Street Business Toolkit Street Banking Toolkit Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program Street Kids International Terms of Reference Trainers of Trainee Women Children and Youth Office

Acknowledgment The evaluation team would like to thank Emmanuel Development Association and Street Kids International for offering the opportunity to conduct this evaluation. We are greatly appreciative to the following individuals for their invaluable roles in this evaluation. Tesemma Bekele, for commenting on work plan and first draft of the report, organizing and providing relevant documentation of the project, and helping the evaluators in conceptualizing the project approach and methodology. Shimelis Anegagergne, for commenting on the first draft of the report, timely responding to inquiries of evaluators, and organizing the focus groups, survey respondents, story tellers, and interviewees. He has made the process of data collection friendly and productive. Many thanks to the individuals and organizations that gave of their time, ideas, and cooperation in the evaluation process. Special thanks to youth beneficiaries, community representatives, youth workers, government stakeholders and Microfinance Institutions in Akaki and Debre Berhan for their participation and sharing experience.

Evaluation team

Executive summary Between November and December 2011 Emmanuel Development Association (EDA) conducted an evaluation of its youth livelihood project. The purpose of this project end evaluation is to assess the extent to which the youth livelihood project has achieved its results and objectives. It is expected that the outcome of the study will help to share achievements and lessons, provide conclusion and recommendations for implementation of similar project in the context of NGOs. Study methodology The methodology adopted for this assignment designed to meet the requirements and expectations set out in EDAs Terms of Reference (ToR).1 The evaluation employed a mix of tools including focus group discussion (FGD), survey, case study, and consultation. All the selected tools encouraged/motivated the active participation of youth beneficiaries, youth serving organizations and other stakeholders in an evaluation process. The sources of primary data have been project beneficiary youth, youth serving NGOs, government stakeholders, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), youth representatives, community members in Akaki and Debre Berhan, staff of EDA at central and project offices, and donor organization. In total 105 people were participated in the evaluation. Focus group discussion 5 FGDs were carried out with a total of 55 participants representing beneficiaries, stakeholders and staff of EDA. Youth beneficiary surveyIn total 29 young operators participated in survey. In-depth interviews This tool contains both structured and non structured questions to produce valid results. 11 people who represent diverse organizations involved. Case studyWe conducted case study with an objective of examining a limited number of variables or cases in-depth. Case study targeted 10 beneficiary young boys and girls. ObservationWe gathered information from visiting the operation of youth beneficiaries which has enriched our understanding about the business location and condition. Secondary data pertaining to the topic of evaluation were collected and reviewed. Much emphasis has been given to government policy, strategy and program on youth employment/unemployment.

The ToR shown in Annex 1. 4

Main findings Project achievementsThe findings of the study reveal that the overall performance of youth livelihood project has been above the targets. Except mentors accompaniment to youth operators, other categories of training have considerably exceeded the target set for the project period. According to EDA report, 300 youth operators have accessed business start up grant amounting Birr 387,402. The grant disbursement was managed in cooperation with key stakeholders including two MFIs operating in AkakiAddis Microfinance Institute (AMFI) and Debre BerhanAmhara Credit and Saving Institute (ACSI). The type of business in which beneficiaries involved has gender orientation. EDA has a good practice of gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from the field. Success stories, challenges, recommendations and lessons were captured in annual and bi-annual reports. However, benchmarks have not been defined to compare performance against baseline data. RelevanceThe EDAs youth livelihood project is responsive to the government policies, the needs of youth and youth serving NGOs. Giving a special attention to young girls has developed their confidence and strength to fight against societal prejudice and misconception. However, it has been realized that there was less participation of relevant stakeholders in the project cycle management particularly in the phase of design, monitoring and evaluation. As reported by EDA, staff turnover in government sector has much contributed to this. The discussion on partnership has inclined toward the importance of signing MoU with key project actorsMFIs and youth serving NGOs. This would possibly result in better undertaking of joint follow up and monitoring activities in organized manner. In context of EDAs livelihood project, the evaluators could not find evidence demonstrating the interface between monitoring and the learning mainstream that provides adequate room for relevant stakeholders. Rather the accountability role of M&E is dominant over learning role. Effectiveness According to the observation of evaluators, both external and internal factors contributed to achieve intended results: unemployment, lack of skills among youth, poverty and high cost of living are external factors whilst the relevance of the project and commitment of the beneficiaries and participation of stakeholders considered as internal factors. In our observation, the degree of ownership feeling significantly varies among different people/organizations involved in the project implementation. In the process of project implementation EDA has been transparent to youth beneficiaries and stakeholders. Efficiency EDA has appropriately utilized the human, financial and material resources of the project to achieve intended results. Some of the beneficiaries have been far sited and developed capacity to analyze the business opportunities and challenges. It has been further found out that through the project community support system has organically emerged. The budget utilized to achieve the planned project
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objectives. According to the reports of EDA, the elements of spending (over spending as well as under spending) experienced by EDA are acceptable and at a minimal rate. Impact The project has brought positive change in the lives of young operators, in the work of youth serving NGOs, decision makers and business men. There are cases where by young girls able to save more than Birr 100 weekly. Youth serving NGOs and government counterparts began mainstreaming the knowledge gained into their interventions. Business men started working hand in hand with young operators. Sustainability The project has established a good ground to ensure sustainability of the project results. Skill, knowledge, experience and inspiration of youth operators to run business, community support to project activities, willingness of government authorities including MFIs to extend further support to youth groups, motivation of youth serving NGOs to institutionalize the essence and approach of the project in their work are some of the indications for sustainability. Many of youth beneficiaries have developed creativity, customer orientation, and peer learning. Inflation and inadequate access to working space are among the factors which negatively influence the performance of youth beneficiaries. Conclusion The participation of young boys and girls in youth livelihood project has made significant change in their lifethey become self confident, strong, creative, self supportive and positive about the future. Particularly the youth beneficiaries are inspired to run business in combination with pursuing their education. This parallel and knowledge oriented action will facilitate the development of self as well as their business. The respondents did give more value for the training than the amount of money given to start own business. EDA has made a conscious effort to address gender issues in the project. Except in partnership meetings in all other project interventions (trainings, business grant application and winning) the participation of young girls has been in good number. The move toward sustainability is encouraging. The project interventions are in consistency with government employment policy and have obtained significant societal support (government authorities including MFIs, youth serving NGOs, communities including business men) which is a key to ensure sustainability. Key actors in the process are aware of their role without much involvement of EDA. Recommendations The evaluation outcome found out that both in Akaki and Debre Berhan the process of beneficiary selection has limitation and recommendation made to make it more participatory.
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Such process needed to be articulated in detail before project execution to begin with. The participation of government authorities and communities in the process of beneficiary selection is paramount since they are nearer to the problems, solutions and available capacities in their locality. The beekeepers in Akaki have inadequate information on taxation, their eligibility for accessing loan and working space. The evaluators suggest that the beekeepers need to be organized in formal association that will help them to access information and services relevant to their business. It is also recommended youth beneficiaries to involve in joint lobbying of government and other actors to get support in good time. The evaluation team envisages the government stakeholders to be in drivers seat to quickly chart out the next steps in regard to smooth transfer of beneficiaries to government authorities and MFIs. EDA and youth serving NGOs have a stake in the process. Effective publicity and promotion was one of the strongest themes to emerge from the evaluation. Increasing awareness of the NGOs, government, private sector and the larger public in general through media, news paper, news letter, and website have been recognized as areas for improvement. Almost all participants of the evaluation recommended the scaling up of similar project in project areas and elsewhere in Ethiopia. In particular, the suggestion has come from realizing the impact and benefit of training. Therefore, further partnership between EDA and SKI is commendable to reach out more young boys and girls. The use of developed capacity within beneficiaries and organizations is strongly recommended during scaling up phase of the project. Lessons learned Development initiatives based on participation of relevant stakeholders, local knowledge and skill tend to be more fruitful and sustainable. As a result of these participatory interventions EDA has been successful in achieving results in short whilea period of three years. Entrepreneurship development among youth groups should keep its pace, influencing the pace will not lead to successful results. The evaluators have learned that steps followed by the project are reinforcing each other and suit with the interest of beneficiaries. As per the evaluation findings real learning has taken place in this project among different groups of peopleyouth groups, people working toward the change they believe in, people who are involved in the action, and people who are valuing real partnership and facilitating the process instead of influencing and bringing arrogance. The core for these people has been brining change in the lives of children and youth.

Introduction

This report dwells on project end evaluation of EDAs youth livelihood project implemented in Akaki Sub City of Addis Ababa and Debre Berhan town. The project was run for a period of 3 years (2009 until end of 2011). The overall objective of this assignment as defined in the ToR, is to assess the extent to which the youth livelihood project supported by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has achieved its strategy, objectives, through employing participatory evaluation2 methodologies. The specific objectives of the assignment are: to assess the achievement of the project against the inputs, outputs, and outcomes included in the project log frame; to assess the impact of completed CIDA youth project in terms of self employment created, and livelihoods improved among youth beneficiaries; to examine the impact of the project at communities and local markets or business; to analyze the factors of success and challenges experienced during project implementation; to identify best practices and lessons learnt from the approaches of project intervention; and to develop recommendations for similar project to be carried out in the period of 2012-2016.

The fieldwork was carried out in November 2011 in Akaki and Debre Berhan. The discussion with staff of EDA head quarters and project offices was conducted in December 2011. Wassie Azashe and Gemechu Kebede were involved in data collection, entry, analysis and write-up of the report. The report has seven sections. The introduction and background sections one and two present the objectives and project background. Section three gives context analysis giving a particular emphasis on youth policy, strategy and program in Ethiopia. Section four summarizes evaluation scope and methodology, while section five provides the evaluation findings. Section six deals with conclusion and recommendations. The report ends with section 7 giving a summary of lessons learned.

It is a way of learning from and with community members to investigate, analyze and evaluate constraints and opportunities and made informed and timely decisions regarding community development. 8

Project background

EDA is an indigenous development NGO, established in 1996 with the aim to improve the socio-economic situation of children and youth among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. EDA committed to promote integrated community based sustainable development programs to improve the lives of marginalized children, youth and women through need based and innovative development programs such as quality education, early childhood development, adult education, basic health services and livelihood diversification. EDA operates in Addis Ababa City Administration and Amhara Regional State. In total there are nine project sites where EDA works with poor communities to enhance their well-being through targeted interventions. EDA has been closely working with youth focused NGOs and youth groups in its operational areas. In 2009, the organization entered into partnership with Street Kids International (SKI) to implement the three year (2009-2011) project specifically addressing youth unemployment through small business training and development. CIDA provided financial support to this project. The project targets Akaki Kaliti Sub City of Addis Ababa and Debre Berhan town. In the project document it is mentioned that the project would benefit about 1500 young people from targeted interventions. The total project budget allocated for three years is CND 189,500. The overall goal of the project is to strengthen the capacity of youth serving organizations in Ethiopia and to provide marginalized youth with livelihood assets and capabilities to attain a healthy and self sufficient future. SKI and EDA have applied to CIDA to extend the project for a period of 2012-2016 and agreed to conduct project end evaluation to assess the impact of the project and draw lessons to successfully implement similar project in the future. The evaluation exercise is considered to be a learning exercise for all concerned people who are involved in the youth livelihood project. 3 3.1 Ethiopia: Context analysis Demography and poverty

According to the National Population and Housing Census carried out in 2007, the total population of Ethiopia for the year 2011 is estimated at 82 million3, making the second most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa. The population structure shows that child and young people constitute the larger proportion compared to other age groups.

Forecast made on the basis of CSA (2007). 9

The youth population is projected to grow in absolute terms from about 15 million in 2005 to 26 million in 2030, but will remain at about one-fifth of the overall population during this period.4 The Ethiopian population is young (with 44% under the age of 15 years) and rapidly growing, resulting in a high dependency ratio. Until 2030 a high increase in population size is expected in urban centers as opposed in rural settlements. The population growth is also putting pressure on cultivable land and contributing to environmental degradation, which is worsening the level of poverty and causing ruralurban migration. In Ethiopia, the proportion of people who are absolutely poor is expected to be more than 44 %. Ethiopia has 9 regional states and 2 city administrations5 directly accountable to Federal Government. As indicated in the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP), the level of rural poverty decreased from 47 percent in 1995 to 45 percent in 2000 whilst during the same period the incidence of poverty in cities rose from 13 percent to 37 percent. This can be an example of acceleration of urban poverty in the country. 3.2 Youth unemployment

The Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has taken several policy measures to facilitate growth of self-employment and create formal and informal employment opportunities for youth. However, still the lack of employment opportunities for young people is among the critical development challenges facing the country. Poor young boys and girls do not have adequate access to economic opportunities and credit facilities. Increased number of dependents who are not able to engage in productive activities, lack of saving and entrepreneurship skills, lack of working space to start business in combination with other factors have compounded the unemployment rate in major cities, towns and urban villages. The effects of prolonged unemployment will lead to serious social and economic problems. Ethiopian young people living in cities and towns are much more likely to be unemployed than their rural counterparts. The risk of unemployment faced by Ethiopian young people also differs by sex. A recent study concluded that in Ethiopia, female youth across all ages are more likely to be unemployed than male youth. Inability to find a job and lack of startup capital are among the contributing factors for youth unemployment. Due to economic and social factors many children and youth migrate to big cities and towns to look for better opportunities, however there are cases where by they end up on the street to lead difficult part of life. Particularly it is a common practice for orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) and youth who lost their mothers/fathers.6

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Cited in Guarcello and Rosati (2007). These are Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations. 6 Population Council (2010). 10

3.3

Policies and programs on youth employment

This section reviews relevant aspects of the policy of GoE through the lens of youth employment. National Youth PolicyIn 2004, the GoE promulgated National Youth7 Policy aiming at enabling youth to actively participate in the development, democratization and good governance process of the country. The basic principles of the policy are to ensure that youth will be active participants in and beneficiaries of democratization and economic development activities, to bring about unity, to allow youth to organize themselves to protect their rights and interests, and to build capacity (for example, via skills training). The policy identifies seven strategic directions: (i) organization and participation of youth and their associations; (ii) supporting the capacity of youth and youth serving organizations and creating enabling policy environment for youth to ensure their participation in different development processes; (iii) enabling youth to benefit from Information Communication Technology (ICT) through facilitating an efficient and integrated exchange of youth focused information between youth associations, government authorities, business, and civil society; (iv) encourage and support youth who become role models in creation of jobs and achieving better results in their workplace; (v) support research undertakings and establishment of youth focused data base that will be accessible to decision makers, stakeholders including funding partners; (vi) encourage participation of Ethiopian youth in national and international partnership arrangements and incorporate youth issues in bilateral and multilateral relations; and (vii) ensure cooperation and coordination through supporting the establishment and functioning of youth councils, inter governmental bodies at federal and regional levels, a consortium of NGOs, and youth forums. Article 7.4 of the Policy defines the role of CSOs as: undertaking various capacity building activities that enable youth to strengthen their participation and ensure their benefits in development ventures which are initiated individually, in groups, or associations. National Youth Development ProgramPursuant to the directions of Youth Policy, in 2006 the Ethiopian Youth Development Program was developed. Unemployment, lack of efficient social services and facilities, lack of participatory forums have been acknowledged as critical issues to be addressed in short, medium and long term perspectives. The program provides strategic areas that will benefit youth living in urban and rural settings.

The Policy defines youth as a person aged between 15 and 29. 11

Table 1 Strategic directions of youth development program Urban youth development Rural youth development Expand microeconomic & small scale Address land issues of youth enterprises and ensure youth become Ensure participation of youth in off farm direct participants and beneficiaries activities Expand various employment Establish youth friendly credit system opportunities Provide skills upgrading Create job opportunities through the Facilitate markets for youth products and expansion of urban farming their input demands Establish special system within the credit Meet youth education and training needs system that would benefit youth Ensure the participation of youth in Provide youth with skills upgrading and environmental protection and afforestation capacity building training to enable them Ensure transmission of youth programs become competent economic actors through public media (TV and radio) Enable youth to enroll in higher education Provide special attention at societal level and training opportunities Facilitate participation of youth in Ensure that uneducated youth receive developmental undertakings short term trainings that would enable Establish enabling environment for them to participate in productive activities emergence and development of youth Educate youth on reproductive health organizations and HIV and AIDS Reduce youth delinquency Reduce youth delinquency
Source: Ethiopian Youth Development Program (2006).

Micro and Small Enterprise Development Strategy In 2004, the GoE formulated the Micro and Small Enterprises Development Strategy. It has been recognized the economic and social role of micro and small enterprises in providing goods and services, creating employment opportunities and generating income. The strategy defines micro enterprises as formal or informal enterprises with paid-up capital not exceeding Birr 20,000. Small enterprises are defined as those with paid-up capital of Birr 20,00050,000 excluding high technology firms. The policy on MFIs issued in 1996 provides the relevance of giving preference to poor rural farmers and micro economic activities of rural and urban communities with small cash requirements. Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) The plan has been endorsed by House of Peoples Representatives in early December 2010; it is a guiding development plan of the country for a period of 2011-2015. The plan builds on 7 pillars: (i) Sustaining faster and equitable economic growth; (ii) maintaining agriculture as a major source of economic growth; (iii) creating favorable conditions for the industry to play key role in the economy; (iv) enhancing expansion and quality of infrastructure development; (v) enhancing expansion and quality of social development; (vi) building capacity and deepen good governance; (vii) promote women and youth empowerment and equitable benefit.
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As has been mentioned in GTP, during the previous planning period, a total of 3,435,049 youth participated in various training sessions. More than 708,116 youth received training in management skills and 444,595 organizers of youth associations received training for the preparation and design of strategic plans, financial management, and administration. The plan sets out the importance of mainstreaming youth issues into other development programs. 4 Scope and methodology of evaluation

The evaluation on youth livelihood project was conducted in Akaki Sub City of Addis and Debre Berhan townabout 125 Kms far away from Addis Ababa. In both areas EDA has project offices and implements diverse programs, while the current evaluation entirely focuses on youth livelihood project. 4.1 Initial discussion with EDA management

The evaluation team began its work through conducting discussion with the management team of EDA central office to have clarity on scope of the assignment and understand the expectations from EDA side. At this stage, agreement has been reached on logistical arrangement and collection of pertinent documentation of the project. The process of identifying and reviewing available documentation of EDA facilitated identification of information gaps and preparation of the relevant survey, case study, and FGD questions to triangulate information. At this stage, a conceptual model was also developed to guide the evaluation process. 4.2 Evaluation questions

The following evaluation questions set out: What achievements have been made in regard to results at the level of output, outcome and impact? Have the project interventions been consistent with the needs and priorities of youth groups, communities, youth serving organizations and other stakeholders? To what extent the EDAs youth project has achieved its intended results? Have there been adequate human, financial and material resources allocated and how well these resources used? To what extent the project interventions have brought changes in the lives of youth beneficiaries and capacity building of youth serving organizations? Will the results produced by the project interventions be maintained after ending EDAs involvement? Has there been shared responsibility for results? What has the project achieved in regard to gender equality? What lessons can be learned from the practice of the project that can be replicated in similar context?
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4.3

Methodology

The methodology adopted for this assignment designed to meet the requirements and expectations set out in EDAs ToR. The evaluation employed a mix of tools including FGD, survey, case study, and consultation. All the selected tools encouraged/motivated the active participation of youth beneficiaries, youth serving organizations and other stakeholders in an evaluation process. The following aspects were considered in selecting the methods of evaluation:
a) Tools that are easy for different groups to actively participate in the evaluation

process and help participants in conducting self evaluations, help gather data or help interpret results.
b) Tools that facilitate or enhance active participation of different groups having

diverse attitudes, skills, and experiences. Indicators8 were selected to measure project achievements and impact in relation to the relevant groups. Project end evaluation criteria such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability were used. In the process of evaluation the consultants took into consideration the measurements to examine the level of participation, overall poverty reduction efforts, partnerships and networking practices and addressing gender issues among young people, youth serving organizations and other stakeholders. In broader sense the performance indicators focus on resource utilization, outputs, results, and impacts. The Data collection tool was developed to gather relevant information. The tool outlines the issues for data collection, sub questions and sources of data. Confidential interview/discussion has revealed key information about the livelihood project. The task of evaluators during data collection has been to maintain confidentiality while encouraging people to open and transparent on the issues. The majority of beneficiaries and stakeholders spoke openly. They were encouraged to give specific examples from their experience. These experiences have been further explored to develop deeper insights. Data collection was focused on developing a better understanding of the performance of the project and the factors that drive performance. The evaluation largely employed qualitative study; however both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from different sources.

Indicators are simply measures that describe how well a project is achieving its objectives. 14

Primary data collection The sources of primary data have been project beneficiary youth, youth serving NGOs, government stakeholders, MFIs, youth representatives, community members in Akaki and Debre Berhan, staff of EDA at central and project offices, and donor organization. In total 105 people were participated in the evaluation. The number of participants by gender composition has been mentioned for each evaluation tool. Focus group discussionIn total 5 FGDs were carried out with a total of 55 participants representing beneficiaries, stakeholders and staff of EDA. Girls/women participation accounted for 49.1%.9 Youth beneficiary surveyIn total 29 young operators participated in survey. The gender mix has been similar i.e. 50%. In-depth interviewsThis tool contains both structured and non structured questions to produce valid results. The target groups were representatives of youth associations; government authorities, Women Children and Youth Office (WCYO), Office of Finance and Economic Development (OFED), ACSI, AMFI. Out of the total interviewees (11) the female participants were 3 or 27%. Case studyWe conducted case study with an objective of examining a limited number of variables or cases in-depth. People were asked to talk about the history of the project, results, change in their own lives (organizations) overtime because of the project. Case study targeted 10 beneficiary young boys and girls. Out of the total the girls participation has been 40%10. ObservationIs one of the tools that help to triangulate some of evidences generated from FGDs and interviews. We gathered information from visiting the operation of youth beneficiaries which has enriched our understanding about the business location and condition. Secondary data collection Literature reviewAs has been mentioned in this section; secondary data on government policy, strategy and program were collected and analyzed. Other relevant literatures on youth employment/unemployment reviewed to conceptualize the evaluation process.

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Annex 2 gives the list of FGD participants. The full text of case studies provided in Annex 3. 15

Basic characteristics of respondents of survey In total 20 youth beneficiaries were targeted to participate in survey. However, it has been managed to cover 29 young boys and girls in this category of study.
Table 2 Basic characteristics of youth survey respondents
Variable Age group Less than 18 18-23 24-29 30 and above Single Married/live with partner Divorced Grade 1-4 Grade 5-8 Grade 9-12 Diploma and above 2009 2010 2011 Total Male 6 5 4 0 13 1 0 0 6 4 5 10 6 1 15 Female 4 4 4 2 8 3 4 2 7 4 1 5 6 1 14 All 10 9 8 2 21 4 4 2 13 8 6 15 12 2 29 (%) 34 31 28 7 72 14 14 7 45 28 21 52 41 7 100

Marital status

Education

Year of participation in youth livelihood project

Data analysisThe quantitative data were analyzed in a numerical form. Statistical analysis was used on quantitative data to give a precise description of the findings in terms of average, proportions, and ranges. This makes easy-to-draw pictures to summarize data. Qualitative analysis builds up on in depth picture on how the population of the study functions, what key relationships exist, how different aspects of the project are linked, how people understand and analyze their situation, project achievements, outcomes and reach conclusions. The data were analyzed by using triangulation, concepts and opinions interpretation, and compare and contrast methods. They are presented using narrative quotes. The data collection and analysis was carried out at three levels: at beneficiary level (young boys and girls); communities; youth serving organizations and other stakeholders.11 The evaluation team has focused on what has been achieved as a result of the youth livelihood project of EDA. Youth operators involved in the project were interviewed, their businesses were visited, youth serving NGOs and government partners were asked to examine the project relevance, benefit and impact. Changes in the livelihood of the beneficiaries were assessed using the before and after project intervention scenario.

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The conceptual model used in the process of evaluation is shown in Annex 4.

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4.3

Limitation of the evaluation

Getting quality time of respondents has become a challenge for evaluators. Everyone has a busy schedule the beneficiaries, the government stakeholders, and youth serving NGOs. However, they spared their precious time to share their experience with us. More specifically, the first round of data collection was undertaken in Akaki during weekdays. There have been cases where by students missed their morning classes because of interview. We did not take this into account while planning the data collection time frame. One of the beekeepers had examination in school, and the lead consultant allowed him to go to do his examination. We learned from the experience and did the interview during the weekend with those who could not make it in weekdays. In Debre Berhan, the dates of data collection matched with celebration of the cooperation between two sister-cities (Debre Berhan town and Blumnil City of France). Government authorities were busy with other meetings. However, they gave some time for us for which we are very much grateful. 4.4 Defining evaluation criteria

RelevanceDegree of appropriateness of project design to respond to the needs and priorities of target groups and policies of local government authorities. Evaluators also looked at the extent to which interventions took into account the local knowledge and experience of target groups and larger community, extent of gender sensitive approaches, and participation of beneficiaries and stakeholders in the process of project cycle management. EffectivenessExamines the extent to which the intended livelihood changes have been achieved in the target areas (Akaki and Debre Berhan). The evaluators compared planned against achieved results at the level of outcomes. The factors contributed toward achievement or non achievement of the targeted results were analyzed. The evaluators also looked into coverage in terms of beneficiaries, transparency and accountability to beneficiaries and stakeholders. Efficiency Reflection on the results compared with the resources spent on the project. We examined measures taken during planning and implementation to ensure efficient use of resources (human, material, and financial). The alignment between intervention strategies, local resources mobilization and utilization, follow up and monitoring of the progress of beneficiaries has been assessed. ImpactThe overall effect derived from project interventions; impacts on income of youth, their attitude, behavior, confidence, and contribution to community. We further assessed how much youth serving organizations were taken up youth livelihood project approach in their own context. The positive/negative impacts and/or intended/unintended impacts on social, economic and business issues at project areas were examined.
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SustainabilityThe likelihood of maintenance of the project activities after phasingout external support. The indicator measures from outset of the support from local government, capability of beneficiaries to run their business, functional system establishment, community participation and sense of ownership, feasibility of resource mobilization and implementation, and capacity building system to share and learn from practice. 5 Evaluation findings

In this part of the report, the findings of evaluation are discussed as per the criteria and evaluation questions shown in section 4. 5.1 Assessment of achievements

This section presents the achievements of the project considering the following aspects: skills and knowledge gained from trainings, coaching, and mentoring activities undertaken to support the business operators, start up grant provided to run own business, and key success factors and challenges observed during the project implementation. Training, coaching and mentoringThis service is one of the components of the project out of which significant number of youth benefited. As we can see in the Table 3 the quantitative achievements of the trainings12 are encouraging. Except mentors accompaniment to youth operators, other categories of training have considerably exceeded the target set for the project period.
Table 3 Achievements in training
Category of training/coaching service Training for level 2 master trainers Training for level 3 master trainers Training for mentors Strengthening youth workers to deliver entrepreneurship training Strengthening youth workers to deliver financial literacy training Street business toolkit Street banking toolkit Mentorship toolkit Life skills related to entrepreneurship, responsibility, financial management and savings Mentors accompaniment to youth operators Number of participants 13 Plan Achieved 6 6 2 2 60 72 48 48 24 2000 1500 250 1162 650 24 2000 1500 300 2000 450 % performance 100 100 120 100 100 100 100 120 172 69

It has been reported that there are different levels of training as per SKI guidelines: Youth workers, master trainer level 1, master trainer level 2, master trainer level 3, national coach, and international coach. 13 The initial targets set for trainings on SBT, SBKT and mentorship were 48, 24 and 60 participants. Later on the targets were adjusted as appeared in the Table.

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EDA carried out the translation of SBKT and adapting Mentorship Manual to reflect the Ethiopian context. They have been in use since the last two years. For some of our survey respondents it was not easy to remember the topics, duration and frequency of trainings in which they participated. Out of the total 29 respondents, 41% stated that they participated in 2-3 days training and 45% mentioned they participated in 4-5 days training. The remaining 14% could not remember the duration of training. During specialized training events EDA advised young beneficiaries to continue their formal education. As reported, in the project period more than 500 youth have restarted their schooling, especially those ended up on street. Through coaching and closely working with young girls EDA addressed the challenges faced by girl entrepreneurs. As stated by EDA staff, gradually the thinking of girl entrepreneurs was changed after their involvement in trainings. This is an indication for us to realize the positive contribution of the project in the lives of girls, and the need for expanding the training in different areas. Provision of start up grant for youth operatorsIn the project period it was planned to issue business grants for 300 young boys and girls whose business plans have been reviewed and accepted. All trained youth are eligible to apply for grant within 2-3 months of the deliberation of training event. The application is on annual basis. For example, in the fiscal year of 2011 alone 250 trained youth applied for business grant; 100 won the grant. Their business plan assessed using the following criteria: Feasibility of the business (40%), understanding of youth about basic concepts of entrepreneurship (10%), implementation period & location of working place (25%), and commitment (25%). The appraisal of the business plan is carried out by EDA and master trainers. In total, 300 youth accessed business grant over the course of the project period. According to EDA report, the total amount disbursed to youth operators is Birr 387,402. The grant disbursement was managed in cooperation with key stakeholders including two MFIs operating in AkakiAMFI and Debre BerhanACSI. It is evident that cooperation with MFIs contributed to better financial management by business operators. Business mentors provided advice to youth operators on how to develop self and start small business, future planning, time management, communication with and management of clients, financial management and proposal writing. This helped beneficiaries to be more successful in their business venture.

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Types of businessThe surveyed youth beneficiaries are involved in diverse business activities. More than two thirds of operators are engaged in preparing/selling food and beverage, running shop and urban animal keeping. In our case, the selection of business has correlation with gender. For example, none of boys involved in preparing/selling food and beverage similarly urban livestock and shoe shine do not attract young girls.
Table 4 Type of business managed by young operators
Business type Number of operators Male Female Total %

Preparing/selling food and beverage (Injera, Kolo, Tela, Areke14, vegetables and fruits) Running shop (handicrafts and pool playing) Urban livestock keeping (beekeeping, poultry, sheep) Shoe shine and repair Stitching cloth Repair watch Bicycle renting service Selling charcoal, fire wood, and dung
Total

0 2 5 3 3 1 1 0
15

7 5 1 0 0 0 0 1
14

7 7 6 3 3 1 1 1
29

24 24 21 10 10 3 3 3
98

In regard to ownership, a larger proportion (69%) of business ventures are owned by operators alone, 17% owned in group, and 14% owned by families of operators. The amount of grant provided to youth beneficiaries ranges between Birr 700-1020. Significant number (45%) of operators received an amount of Birr 960 to start business or inject their capital. 20% of respondents accessed either Birr 1000 or 1020. In the view of EDA, variation in grant provision happened because of exchange gains. Although MFIs keep on providing advice, at present some of the business operators are saving whilst some others dont. In some cases, the operators are less motivated to save because they do have inadequate information about the intent of saving....they are afraid that EDA would collect their saving to use it as revolving fund for others. Lack of clarity about saving by some operators and stiff business competition are among the challenges weakening their financial strength.

14

These are typical Ethiopian food stuff and drinks. Injeraa flat bread; Koloroasted, barley, chick peace etc.; Telahome made beer; Arekehome made strong alcohol drink similar to vodka. 20

The project has made remarkable achievement in regard to promoting integration of entrepreneurship training into the programs of organizations. The organizations represent youth serving NGOs, government authorities, youth and women associations and MFIs. Some of FGD participants exclaimed that the training is helpful not only effectively running their livelihood program but also helped to think of business to make change in their future life. EDA has positively recognized the contribution of SKI to effectively manage the project implementation through sharing knowledge and practices. Since the inception of the project we learned a lot from SKI facilitators to develop professional competence in the youth livelihood project. We also learned from the intern of SKI, he contributed much in our work, to mention few improved skills on report writing, data management, filing and documentation, writing stories etc. Documentation and sharing the practiceKeeping up the institutional memory is one of the learning processes, which requires putting the practices on paper and visual aid materials to transfer the story and facts of the organization for others (successors and stakeholders) to build on. According to the observation of the evaluation team, EDA has rich experience in developmental practices; the available documentation on youth project seems a good start. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered from field and analyzed; success stories, challenges, recommendations and lessons captured in annual and bi-annual reports. However, benchmarks have not been defined to compare performance against baseline data. For a project like this it would have been good to set baseline otherwise it is also possible to use data from other project explaining about the situation soon to be compared with the project performance. Dissemination or sharing the project practice with larger public is another grey area yet to be worked out. In this regard, one respondent has similar argument, low publicity and marketing the positive impact of EDA considered as one of the weaknesses of the organization. Follow up and monitoring project activitiesSome of our respondents claimed that EDA has not made adequate follow up at the level of youth operators and the relationship with youth serving NGOs. Some of the points mentioned were: The relationship between EDA and youth serving NGOs is not as expected, rather it is weak. Leaders of some of youth serving NGOs are willing to cooperate with EDA on youth livelihood initiative however they have inadequate information about the project. Youth serving NGOs have no formal relationship with EDA except participating in ToT. We independently follow the success of our youth beneficiaries involving in business. Joint follow up together with trainers of trainee would have brought more success. We planned meetings to consult about the future of the project, unfortunately this couldnt be materialized.

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Closer follow up and monitoring project activities in the field positively contributes to encourage good performing entrepreneurs and help those who are in need of support. On top of this, it helps to take informed decision on the basis of adequate information, and furthering learning from practice with real participation of beneficiaries and key stakeholders. In conclusion, the findings of the study reveal that the overall performance of youth livelihood project has achieved above the targets. One of the respondents has similar opinion: Overall we are very satisfied with EDAs performance and EDA was extremely good at taking feedback and reviewing their practices for improvement. Project budgetAs reported, the total project budget utilized in the project period 2009-2011 has been Birr 2,141,181. 5.2 Relevance of project

In this section, we look into appropriateness of the project design and implementation in terms of responding to government policy, priorities of youth beneficiaries, youth serving organizations, government stakeholders and communities. Contribution to government policyMost FGD participants agreed up on responsiveness of the project interventions to government policy, which is opted to reduce youth unemployment through promotion of micro enterprises both in rural and urban settings. In their view, employment creation for youth and women is key in government policy. Participants from government authorities spoke, The project targets poor street children and transactional sex workers who are appropriate to benefit from the project. The project approach is in consistency with the policy and practice of ACSI. According to the OFED, inclusion of IGA in the project is one of the criteria for signing agreement with the office. He further noted that the performance of EDAs livelihood project has relatively been successful compared to other NGOs operating in Debre Berhan. From the above explanation it is safe to conclude that the trainings of EDA as well as the provision of start up grant for young boys and girls have complemented the government policy and programs. Selection process of beneficiariesAccording to EDA, a series of discussion was conducted with government signatories how to go about the process of beneficiary selection. The organizations involved in discussion include the following: MIFIs, MEPO, Sub City Administration, WCYO, and MFIs in Akaki and Debre Berhan. The signatory organizations at city level contacted their respected offices at lower administration level (Kebele) to have stake in the process. In the view of EDA, Youth associations were more involved in the selection process than others. The survey respondents of youth associations confirmed their active participation in the beneficiary selection.

22

We found out from the documentation of EDA that the criteria set out for selection of youth workers were: Permanent resident of Kebele, being vulnerable children/youth, between the ages of 15-29 years, maintaining gender balance (60% girls and 40% boys), interest to involve in own business after receiving training, availability during the entire duration of the training/workshop, employment contract in the field for at least one year, experience in facilitation and comfortably speaking in public, having basic numeracy skills, and willing to make extra effort to learn. Once satisfactory candidates identified, invitations were sent at least one month before the training takes place, and a reminder is sent one week before the workshop. It was reported that similar indicators were used to select youth beneficiaries who are interested to start own business or have already started a business. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Akaki and Debre Berhan with key government stakeholders. The MoU clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of organizations in the process of beneficiary selection follow up and monitoring, and furthering support to beneficiariesloan, training, working space etc. Most of the youth beneficiaries involved in survey began participating in youth livelihood project in 2008 (52%) and in 2009 (41%). Only 7% started participation in 2011. According to survey respondents, the sources of information for their involvement in the project were youth associations (55%), teachers in schools (21%), Kebele Administration (14%), and youth serving NGOs (10%). Majority of the respondents could not explicitly tell us about the process and the criteria used for selection. The government authorities in Akaki and Debre Berhan have identified the shortcomings of the selection process. They stated: MFIs could have better involved in the process. The selection criteria should be reviewed to target poor young boys and girls who have capacity to run own business. The participation of government authorities and communities in the process would have an added value. Partnerships development15 Most of the government stakeholders and youth serving NGOs developed partnership through participating and providing training on entrepreneurship development for beneficiaries, organizing youth to benefit from project activities, and support clients.

15

Partnership is a frameworks for integrating complementary interests & joint efforts of parties--- in order to address societal problems In development literatures partnership has at least five stages: (i) Informationtell people what has been planned; (ii) Consultationoffering options and listening to feedback; (iii) Deciding togetherencourage others to provide additional ideas and options; together deciding the way forward; (iv) Acting togetherpeople with different interests decide together what is best, in partnerships; and (v) supporting independent community initiativeshelp people do what they want.

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The majority of respondents positively commented on the training content and quality as ...the trainings are goodparticularly the methodology is simple and interesting. Our staff participated in training events, and we use the inputs of the training when providing training for our clients. The representative of OFED in Akaki stated: EDA signed agreement with the office to implement the project. They are timely reporting the progress of the project; the report is good and reflects the achievements of the project. As he stated midterm evaluation of the project could not be materialized due to other engagements of EDA as well as the office. According to the observation of evaluators, joint monitoring could be a missed opportunity for both parties since the exercise would contribute toward relationship building and learning from practice. The inputs from joint monitoring would also be key to improving the performance of the project. Participation of youth serving NGOsInitially about 15 NGOs were identified to cooperate in this project. However, 5 organizations Life in Abundance (LIA) and PACT operating in Debre Berhan, Care for the Poor operating in Akaki, RETRAK Ethiopia implementing program in Merkato area of Addis Ababa, and Family Guidance Association (FGA) in Akaki actively participated in the project implementation. Following are points considered in selecting these NGOs: willingness to participate in the project, the experience in youth livelihood intervention and possibility for replication of the project activities by NGOs. FGA has started engagement in this project in 2010 through participating in training events organized by EDA and selecting young boys and girls who are benefiting from the livelihood project. Through the recommendation of FGA 7 young boys and girls trained, received business start up grant and started their own business. LIA recruited 27 beneficiary youth from its clients to participate at EDAs youth livelihood project. During the period of data collection it has been stated that the clients of LIA have not yet received start up grant. Care for the poor selected 14 transactional sex workers to involve in EDA youth livelihood project. The target groups were given training, developed business plan and obtained small grant to start own business. PACT has recruited 20 children to obtain training, and start up grant from EDA livelihood project. Accordingly, the target groups were trained and currently involving in business activities. The use of local knowledge and experienceThe findings of survey, case study and FGD revealed that the project extensively used the local knowledge and experience in project implementation. The young beekeepers motivated to learn from their community. In their words: We started beekeeping through copying from a person living in our community.

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They further mentioned, He has been involved in bee keeping for two decades, and still employs traditional beekeeping his beehives are traditional, resulted in low productivity, and he keeps on earning very minimal income. We are able to make traditional beehives from local materials. However, we learned from the practice of our neighbour and asked EDA to provide us modern beehives that will improve our productivity. The evaluators realized that in the fourth week of November 2011 EDA provided modern beehives to young beekeepers operating in Akaki. The partnership arrangement with MFIs in Akaki and Debre Berhan enabled EDA to use the expertise of these organizations to manage the finance and business operation of beneficiaries. AMFI and ACSI have provided the following services for beneficiariesappraisal of the business plan of individual operators, providing them business start up grant deposited by EDA and encouraging the operators to save regularly. The amount is deposited in MFIs for each individual. In the view of AMFI, the beneficiaries of EDA are eligible to apply for credit falling between Birr 700 to 250,000. The new AMFI policy emphasises on development of partnerships with different actors and in support of operators to get credit since they have experience in running profitable businesses. In Debre Berhan, there is urban development committee chaired by the mayor of the town. The committee supports the project approach, would like to mobilize the required support to this project and will help maintaining the relationship between beneficiaries, communities, EDA and government counterparts (FGD participant). This looks a promising practice building on the role of government as facilitator of development; the opportunity to be tapped by EDA and other developmental NGOs so that they can better benefit the poor from collaborative efforts. Addressing gender issuesFrom a gender perspective, girls are often marginalized, and vulnerable to harmful traditional practices and societal perceptions. The problems are linked with inadequate understanding about gender equality among boys and men. One of the respondents explained about the societal perceptions: People are very much suspicious of how I generate livelihood out of preparing and selling Kolo. In their view, unless I augment my income by other side business (transactional sex), it is not possible to lead such life. I sell Kolo in the evening walking around small bars and restaurants. Some have even thought of I have a child to take care for, otherwise at this age they could not imagine my involvement in Kolo business. They levelled me and my business. Having known my real situation, some regret with their wrong judgment, their thinking was changed, and now they feel regret.

25

From the above short story we easily understand the need for extending advisory service for young girls to ensure their active participation in their personal and community development processes. Otherwise, the societal influence and tensions will possibly take the developmental efforts backward instead of moving forward. Gender experts recommend that educating boys and men about gender equality should go hand in hand with empowering girls and women. The proportion of female participation in project interventions has significantly varied. According to the reports of EDA, female participation in trainings was ranging between 1390 percent of total participants, in grant application (49%100%) and getting start up grant (46%57%), and in beneficiary survey 48%. The figures above demonstrate encouraging participation of young girls/women. The policy of EDA on targeting has been one of the factors resulted in acceptable level of female participation. On top of this girl entrepreneurs received need based support to make them successful in their business ventures. Stakeholders participation in project designOne of primary objectives of stakeholders participation is increasing the contribution of every actor through inducing learning and sharing experience. Learning is a natural process leading to improvement at organizational and project performance. EDAs livelihood project can be considered as a multi stakeholder and multilevel project where learning to start with planning together, drawing lessons from implementation, reviewing the practice, and capturing learning to incorporate in the new plan. In this regard, the evaluation team could not find adequate evidence confirming the participation of relevant stakeholders (youth beneficiaries, government authorities, and youth serving organizations) in the process of project design. In Akaki and Debre Berhan, EDA has signed MoU with government authorities involving in the project implementation, but not signed the same with youth serving NGOs. In the view of evaluators signing MoU with youth serving NGOs seems relevant to institutionalize the relationship and guide the process more systematically. In fact signing MoU should be supported by action of participants. The case in Debre Berhan reveals that after signing MoU in June 2011, the government partners could not move ahead with practical activities. They planned meetings to consult about the future of the project, unfortunately this couldnt be materialized. They suggested calling urgent meeting to enlist the future directions how to support project beneficiaries before the completion of the project period.

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Out of the discussion with different groups, the following barriers of participation have been identified: The business start up grant is not sufficient considering the current high inflation rate. Provision of business start up grant was delayed.16 We miss our classes to attend trainings and participate in discussion.17 Quick turnover of trained staff of NGOs; at initial stage many youth and women preferred wage employment over self employment, many youth pushed into self employment due to less opportunity in formal economy; inadequate access to start up capital because MFIs consider youth entrepreneurs as a high-risk group in the financial marketnot having collateral is one of the factors.18 Not signing MoU with MFIs.19 Inadequate sharing the project objectives and target at initial stage of the project.20 Inadequate follow up and monitoring the progress of youth operators.21 It was mentioned that the system of taxation was unnecessary complex.22 Review of the practice of monitoring Organizations usually undertake monitoring for three main purposes. First, monitoring focuses on learning from experience gained, second monitoring ensures the internal and external accountability of the inputs used and the results achieved, and third, monitoring is helpful to take corrective measures at the right time. Monitoring takes place at various levels: donor; EDA head office and project offices; and stakeholders.23 Each monitoring level has its own information needs; therefore the entire monitoring system should be responsive to provide adequate information on the project at a given period of time. As one survey respondent commented: We expected more engagement in monitoring and evaluation process. Another respondent mentioned: The experience with EDA was that quantitative monitoring skills were well above average, there remains room for improvement in the ability to see a project beyond a list of deliverables. The third participant from OFED in Akaki stated that due to outstanding factors project midterm evaluation could not be carried out.

16 17

FGD participants of youth beneficiaries. FGD participants of government authorities and MFIs. FGD participants of youth beneficiaries. 18 EDA staff. 19 FGD participants of authorities and MFIs. 20 FGD participants of government authorities and MFIs. 21 FGD participants of youth serving NGOs. 22 FGD participants of youth beneficiaries. 23 They include beneficiaries, government stakeholders, and youth serving organizations. 27

In the context of EDAs livelihood project, the evaluators could not find evidence demonstrating the interface between monitoring and the learning mainstream that provides adequate room for relevant stakeholders. Rather the accountability role of M&E is dominant over learning role. We have observed that the EDAs youth livelihood project is responsive to the government policies, the needs of youth and youth serving NGOs. Giving a special attention to young girls has developed their confidence and strength to fight against societal prejudice and misconception. However, it has been realized that there was less participation of relevant stakeholders in the project cycle management particularly in the phase of design, monitoring and evaluation. As reported by EDA, staff turnover in government sector has much contributed to this. The discussion on partnership has inclined toward the importance of signing MoU with key project actorsMFIs and youth serving NGOs. This would possibly result in better undertaking of joint follow up and monitoring activities in organized manner. 5.3 Effectiveness of interventions

EDAs key developmental approachAs reported, EDA employs bottom up, and multi stakeholder participation in its developmental interventions: We encourage people to participate in our project activities to contribute to poverty reduction efforts of the country. Our work fits into the government policy at different administrative tiers in a way addressing the challenges of youth through providing training on entrepreneurship development and facilitating access to start up grant/capital. EDA noted that the organization takes into account the political, economic and social dimensions while designing and implementing project activities. Participatory learning and action (PLA) model is widely used as a relevant tool in EDAs project cycle management. The example cited: The project addressed the problem of youth livelihood, economic empowerment by conducting business skill training for the marginalized youth groups. As reported, market survey was conducted in cooperation with multi stakeholders before the commencement of the project. This helped EDA to understand local conditions, needs and problems of youth and to take informed decision on their priorities. EDA has set out a strategy to meet the needs of youth groups and other stakeholders. According to them, the following are key directions: Promoting entrepreneurship culture through education, business development services for outof-school youth, facilitate access to finance for young entrepreneurs, youth-to-youth mentoring service, strengthening evidence based advocacy, market driven approach, and increasing partnerships to join effort in achieving project results.

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Addressing target beneficiariesThe cooperation with youth serving NGOs has enabled EDA to reach out many youth with budgeted amount of money, the capacity of NGOs developed to scale up the new model on youth livelihood promotion, community of practice established to deepen the understanding and share the experiences between diverse actorsEDA, youth serving NGOs, government authorities, MFIs and communities. As argued by EDA: It would have been very expensive for us to run the project activities without the involvement of youth serving organizations. In the project period, EDA has worked strongly with youth serving organizations in both project areas. Strengthening the capacity of these organizations has helped them to conceptualize and develop cohesive livelihood programmes. The organizations have developed relationship with their peers, keep on sharing the experience, use the knowledge to provide better service to their youth clients and smoothly expanded the skills they have developed to wider communities. Most interviewees and FGD participants impressively sited the importance of SBTK and SBT trainings which have positive impact on improved performance of their work and personal life they were inspired by the training. For some this motivated them to run own business. As a member of the youth serving organization I use the knowledge to start my own business. The training has shown the ways and means to become successful in business. In supporting our clients we use the practical knowledge we have gained from EDA training. In the same token, the knowledge gained by the beneficiaries is even more worthwhile than the money given to start business. From the above statements it is possible to conclude that the training has brought multiplier effect24 in terms of expanding the benefit beyond its initial target groups. This implies that if an intervention is effective and beneficial to communities, therefore replication will go smoothly and without too much external input. It neither requires much push from different sides. As shown in Section 5.1, the target achievements of the project has been encouraging and significantly above the plan without incurring additional costs. As mentioned by EDA, the new venture in youth livelihood has been extended out of the project locationsIn all sub cities of Addis Ababa, and Northern part of the country (Dessie, Kobo, Woldya and Gonder). One respondent has come up with similar argument, EDA has been able to reach scale in terms of quantity of youth and youth workers trained and geographical reach beyond the scope of the original project description.

24

In this context, multiplier effect implies the increase in project coverage in terms of target groups and area with initial project budget without compromising the quality.

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FGD participants disclosed the commitment of government to support youth in providing working space and other necessary inputs. In Akaki, four story building is under preparation as a working place for youth operators. This will help addressing the working space challenge experienced by youth operators. Of course further lobby together with youth operators is needed to ground the commitment. Performance of beneficiariesThe factors for success can be looked at from different dimensions and depend on the experience, measurement and sample. According to the survey result 50% of respondents confirmed their success; the remaining 50% have said they are less successful in their current business.
Table 5 Measuring the performance of business Is the business successful? 1.Yes Reasons: The training provided by EDA Support obtained from friends, families and community My personal commitment & external opportunities It is profitable business Total 2. No, less successful Reasons: Inadequate income from the business Lack of access to working space Saturation of the market Other factors (increased housing rent, paying out installments, etc) Total % 50 47 23 15 15 100 50 46 38 8 8 100

The majority of respondents (47%) stated that the inputs gained from training have contributed to their success, followed by support they have received from friends, families and community (23%). Generating inadequate income out of the business and lack of access to working space have been reasons for those respondents who considered their business was less successful. The qualitative assessment of project achievements confirms the same evidence. The stakeholders including MFIs have information about successful business operators involved in EDA livelihood project. They stated that the beneficiaries have acknowledged the importance of saving and provision of start up grant. Loan is considered as a short term solution, a long term contributing factor for success of a business is saving. Saving is part of loan. Trainings provided on SBKT and SBT that covered the African experience enabled youth to develop business plan/proposal and subsequently resulted in business transition from shoe shine to shoe repair or running both.
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Transparency and accountability to beneficiaries and stakeholders The words, transparency and accountability sound very interesting and repeatedly pronounced in the development sector including NGOs. However, the practice of open communication on the importance of all data including the successes and mistakes not easy to include in the culture of organizations or communities. According to the observation of evaluators, EDA has been transparent to youth beneficiaries and stakeholders. This has been demonstrated by government respondents: EDA keeps us officially informed before they start project implementation. Except for the representatives of youth associations, the beneficiary selection for some of respondents has not been transparent. Factors contributed toward achievement of resultsAccording to the observation of evaluators both external and internal factors contributed to achieve results. Some respondents pointed out unemployment, lack of skills among youth, poverty and high cost of living are external factors whilst the relevance of the project and commitment of the beneficiaries, and participation of stakeholders considered as internal factors. The other internal factor as mentioned by interviewee, EDA positively considers feedback coming from stakeholders, review and enrich their practice accordingly. The invisible factor which has significantly contributed to the production of results is increased ownership of the intervention by different groups of people participated in the project. If people (we name them differently beneficiaries, stakeholders, partners, communities) own the project activities, then they take care of the activities. Pertaining to observation of evaluation team, the degree of ownership feeling significantly varies among different people involved in the project implementation. 5.4 Efficiency of interventions

Young operators have developed capacity to read their internal and external situation that is key to efficiently run business. They noted that with the small start up grant provided by the project they could be able to get more money. One of the FGD participants (girl) gave example as follows: I received birr 960 to run fruit selling business, and I realized that purchase of scale would be Birr 500, and the remaining 460 not sufficient for renting a shop for even one month, no money for buying fruits and other running costs. Then I decided to change the business from fruits selling to Injera baking and selling. We are trying to engage in a business which can give us profit or we ask communities to assist us. Caring community is always ready to support each other and celebrate success together. The case below exhibits the aspect of togetherness and bonding that holds a community and beekeepers together. It is crucially important in the process of community development. We interviewed two community representatives from Akaki and Debre Berhan, the case of one of interviewees presented in the next page.
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Box 1 Case story ...Young beekeepers are quick learners Ato Teshager, 65 years old man completed grade 5. He has five childrern3 boys and 2 girls. Teshager retired from his regular employment some time back, resides in Akaki Kality Sub City of Addis Ababa in the neighborhood where young beekeepers live in. He is pioneer community member who has extensive experience in traditional beekeeping and honey production. He has nine boxes of traditional beehives in his small compound. He said, my children are very considerate, from their early age they have concern not to bothering me, they are attempting to cover the cost of educational materials. Two of them had been working on shoe shine business. In our village, the young boys involve in beekeeping. In his view the young beekeepers benefited from the trainings, they have gotten money, and have been encouraged to move ahead. Teshager is getting old; it has become difficult for him to hang beehives on trees. The young beekeeperswalking on his foot print are there to help him in hanging beehives on trees. The young beekeepers not only copied the way how to run beekeeping in their community but also supporting a man who has been their role model and eye opener in the development of their skills. In the words of Teshager, the young beekeepers are energetic, patient, quick learners and changing their life. He further mentioned one of the beekeepers frequently visiting him to get advice to furthering his skill and experience. The name of this young beekeeper is Ephrem, a boy having leading idea in the field of beekeeping in the neighborhood.

We brought the case in the picture to explain about efficiency gains achievable through employing once expertise or capacity in developmental practice. Efficiency is all about raising productivity; it is a measurement about once achievement against performance. It is meant also supporting people and spending in productive activities. As we can see from the case, Ephrem frequently visits Ato Teshager with an objective of generating more knowledge about beekeeping. In return he assists Ato Teshager in hanging beehives on trees which is difficult for elderly to do the same thing over and again. The evaluators attempted to get information on the financial position of respondents, although it is not as such accurate in the expertise view. People in formal employment/business are less willing to openly disclose their income and expenditure to third party. There are arguments that consider an individual income is a private matter that should be disclosed only for legal and related reasons otherwise always there should be willingness of disclosure.

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In our case, the fear from tension related to taxation and participation of the beneficiaries for a shorter duration are among contributing factors. With this understanding, the evaluators did not push much to further explore on the level of income earned and amount spent by operators. Rather we interested in knowing the magnitude of saving, since it will indirectly give an insight into the performance of the business. The saving experience of operators demonstrates that out of the total respondents who gave their response on saving 80% do experience regular saving, while 20% do not have regular saving. Close to 50% of respondents save up to Birr 100 on weekly basis. There are successful girl performers in the business as well as saving. As indicated in the Table 6 only girls are able to save above Birr 100 weekly.
Table 6 Weekly saving of operators Amount of saving Do not regularly saving Up to Birr 20 From Birr 21 up to 50 From Birr 51 up to 100 More than Birr 100 Total Operators (N=15) Male Female Total 1 2 3 2 2 4 1 1 2 1 2 3 0 3 3 5 10 15 % 20 27 13 20 20 100

Saving is one of the indicators explaining about the efficiency of business operationIt is only possibly when income exceeds the total expenditures.25 According to the observation of evaluators, the operators are efficient in running the business and well developed the concept of saving. The results orientation is another factor leading to efficiency in business operation. This is much linked with setting goal, achieving that goal, and again setting another goal. People get pleasure out of trying to achieve their goals. In the process quick move and restlessness are common characteristics of this kind of business people. The case below shows how far a young girl efficiently moving from one ladder of business and social entrepreneurship to another. She tends to get what she expects from herself and others. She keeps on expecting more and extends efforts to get more. This should be typical characteristics of good business operators.

25

Our analysis is limited to micro enterprises under evaluation. Therefore, in this context total expenditures imply both business running costs as well as individual spending for food, shelter, clothing, schooling, medication etc.

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Box 2 Case story I am motivated to expand my business Hezebalem is 22 years old young girl, she earns livelihood from selling fruits and vegetables in one of open markets in Debre Berhan town. She is married, a mother of four years old daughter and one adopted child he is now a student of grade 9. According to Hezebalem, she grew in a poor family, who could not support her education. She supported herself to complete grade 10 through preparing and selling Kolo. The people and business men around Hezbalem developed confidence and trust her. She manages to get loan from individuals; goods from business men on creditevery week she pays outstanding credit out of her income.

Hezbalem has concrete plan to expand the business. In another big market place she secured land from local government and has started the construction of her own shop (shown to the right). She completed the foundation work. In short run she will continue running the business in two market placesthe volume of sales in two market places will be significantly varied. The future is in retrospectthere is hope to move from retail to wholesale trade. Hezbalem is confident that she would realize her plan, I am motivated to expand my business through more investment to generate more profit over what I am earning, I am confident will realize my plan. The social interaction and entrepreneurship skill I have developed after EDAs training will be input for my current and future success. Hezbalem compares her living situation now and before: Formerly, I wasnt able to feed myself, but now things are changed and I am comfortably supporting my family including one adopted child.

The development of social capital is another lesson from the above case story. People around Hezbalem provide support to her. This helped Hezbalem to wisely use her entrepreneurship capacity the capacity of calculating the potentials and odds, and deciding which risks to take and when to take. This is the basics of business whether micro, small or big.
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The social cohesion between micro enterprise operators and people around them still not yet well organized and developed in Ethiopia. In the past, the operators were neglected and could not get the necessary societal support. However, in the case story the theory of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has also been well demonstrated. Hezbalem has received the required support from EDA, community, government authorities and business men to become successful in her business. In exchange she provides part of her income back to community to help a boy who is continuing his education at grade 9. She has no biological brotherhood with a boy, overtime sociological brotherhood developed and now he becomes part of the family. The case resembles to the entire objective of community development practice which aims at creating carrying communities/individuals who extend support to their members without external support or resources. In the observation of evaluation team, the case is an organic example of interface between community development process and business practice. Project coordination and managementAs reported by EDA, the project has full time coordinator based in the central office of EDA; he is responsible for the day to day operation of the project. The executive director and the project offices in Akaki and Debre Berhan actively engage in the process of project implementation and provide the necessary support to project coordinator. As one of the respondents mentioned, the coordinator has been successfully coached and trained. Another survey participant mentioned that he is energetic and capable of coordinating the project. Most of respondents acknowledged efficiency of the coordination of the project as: EDA has been able to scale up the project interventions beyond the initial target Openness to new program directions Good relationship with stakeholders (government, community, NGOs, youth beneficiaries) resulted in good respect from the community and government as a development partner EDA has been accountable for stakeholders, good financial and narrative reports Strong resource base and management Strong leadership, program and resource management Committed & learning organization26

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According to Britton (2005) a learning organization is an organization that facilitates the learning of all its members and continuously transforms itself, an organization that is skilled at creating, acquiring and transferring knowledge and modifying its behavior to reflect new knowledge and insights and the organization which builds and improves its own practice, consciously and continually devising and developing the means to draw learning from its own and others experience.

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Financial utilizationAs reported the total project expenditure for 2009-2011 has been ETB 2,141,174. Out of the total budget 53% used for training and workshops, while 18% disbursed for youth beneficiaries as business start up grant. Personnel and project administration costs remain low and account 20% of the total expenditure.

Nr 1 2 3 4 5

Expenditure category Training and workshops Providing business start up grant Capacity building, project M&E Salary and benefits Administration and communication Total

Expenditure per year 2009 2010 2011 253,385 345,374 545,853 86,592 300,810 9,525 61,444 54,923 379,277 17,244 71,335 23,615 544,160 160,443 124,917 85,714 1,217,737

Total 1,144,612 387,402 187,212 257,696 164,252

% 53 18 9 12 8

2,141,174 100

As has been looked at the financial reports for fiscal year 2011 the elements of spending (over spending as well as under spending) experienced by EDA are acceptable and at a minimal rate. 5.5 Impact of interventions

Impacts are socio economic differences made as a result of physical achievements of development interventions. In case of EDAs youth livelihood project, the achievements are related to changing the behavior of youth through training, coaching and mentoring to equip them with the concepts of entrepreneurship and to successfully run own business. Entrepreneurship skill in combination with access to working space and startup capital are essential inputs for business ventures. Therefore, with the above background we examine the project impact at the level of young boys and girls, their community, youth serving organizations and decision makers. Impact on youth beneficiariesThe FGD participants confirmed that the project has made remarkable impact on their lives. As one of youth beneficiaries commented: I am able to write business proposal, have knowledge how to start business, and effectively use money. Before participating in the project most of us involved in shoe shine, while now progressed to another level of business development. The impact of the project was described by other beneficiaries as: Before we have started the business our family used to cover our costs for educational materials and cloths, but now we are supporting our selves. We have developed patience instead of being angry on everything.

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As has been mentioned in different parts of the report, the training of EDA has significantly contributed to the knowledge and experience of young boys and girls. There are cases confirming that the operators have changed the type of business through taking informed decision. For example, Ephrem in Akaki was moved from shoe shine business to beekeeping. When he was running shoe shine he could not get quality time for his education. Now he is able to successfully run beekeeping in combination with pursuing his college education. He covers his personal costs out of the income he earns from beekeeping. He sets out the future plan for his business.
Box 3 Case story I comfortably run beekeeping with college education Ephrem Challa is 18 years old boy, second year student at Kotebe Teachers Training College, in Addis Ababa. When he was in secondary school, he used to run shoe shining business. This business was consuming much of his time; difficult to regularly attend class and study at home. Ephrem mentioned that with the recommendation of his school he attended different trainings organized by EDA including street business toolkit, street banking toolkit and mentorship.

After the training, in 2003 EDA provided him Birr 900 as business start up grant. He appreciates the knowledge he gained from trainings. Thanks to the project I am now on the right truck. At present, Ephrem runs beekeeping business in the compound of his family. The family members give support to the business. He began with beekeeping using traditional method and tools; he easily copied from Ato Teshager. Gradually moved to modern one. He collects honey twice in year and earns at least Birr 4,000 from the produce. He uses the income to cover his costs and saves the left over money. In the view of Ephrem, Beekeeping does not take much of my time; I comfortably run the business with my college education. The modern beehives he received from EDA will increase the productivity of the business as well as give solution for the biting of bees. Ephrem has a vision of helping himself, his family, and community at large. He would like to increase the size of his business relatively at higher scale and keep on furthering the promotion of beekeeping. In conclusion, Ephrem mentioned that the support he is getting from family members, friends, community and EDA is vital to realize his vision.

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The beekeepers have acknowledged the support they gained from the project. They shared their concern about EDAs beekeeping demonstration site in Akaki. In their view: Bees are away from the demonstration site since no one is taking care for them and beehives misplaced and fall down. Beekeepers conducted discussion with EDA about the situation, submitted application letter to EDA to revitalize the demonstration site and work there. The staff of EDA noted that after the visit of evaluators to Akaki the revitalization process has already started through recruiting expert in the field. The young beekeepers have a wide range of ability and willingness to turn their hands to anything that has to be done to make their venture to succeed. They usually make the product, market it and count on the money, but above all they have slefconfidence that lets them move comfortably through the journeyalways in a state of start and has no end. For development organizations like EDA it tends important to give ears and eyes to community knowledge and practices that will enable them to effectively facilitate the development process. As shown in table 8, respondents identified variables confirming the impact of the project on their living situation. Accordingly, 28% of respondents mentioned that their involvement in business has changed their attitude in terms of respect of customers, being polite and patient. Particularly the project made significant change in the behavior of boys who experienced bad behavior in the past. As we can observe from the table the thinking (being positive about their life and business), the doing (do old things in new ways) and relating (spending more time in business deal) aspects of young operators have significantly changed.

Table 8 Impacts listed by survey respondents (Multiple responses) N=39 Variables Male Female Attitudinal change-respect customers, being polite and patient 7 4 Increased knowledge about importance of saving 5 4 Record keeping on income, expenditure and profit 3 1 Change has come to my life 3 1 Improved communication skills 1 2 Create self confidence and good morale 0 2 Being conscious in selection of peers 2 0 Increased clients through positive handling 1 1 I know how to survive 0 1 Motivation to do any kind of work 1 0 Total 23 16

Total 11 9 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 39

% 28 23 10 10 8 5 5 5 3 3 100

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The involvement of beneficiaries in the project has also ensured faith and total commitment in their ideas of business and future livings. Motivation has been an entry point to devote much energy in business and a lot of hard work to make the business successful. As we have observed the operators are first changed their attitude and behaviour then moved to be a master of their business. There is a logical alignment between ones attitude and her (his) doing whether in micro business or formal employment. The government and MFIs stakeholders considered that the impact of the project on youth had become clearer and more tangible. This has provided a hub for participation for different actors. Their arguments included: Youth developed self confidence and creativity to run business, They become busy, reduced dependency and idling, Ex-transactional sex workers opened up shops and become successful, Youth groups who are organized in waste management and involving in greening of Debre Berhan town are successful, they have adequate capital and won bid to work in the compound of Debre Berhan University, The success of youth is very much encouraging for EDA and us working on promotion of micro and small enterprise development, and According to ACSI, in Debre Berhan a boy involved in shoe shine brings Birr 20/every week to ACSI to save in his account.

From the findings of evaluation it has become evident that the success of the business much dependent on the skill and motivation of the operators instead of the type of business. They way how they handle the business is important than the amount of money they were given. The case below demonstrates about the success story of a girl entrepreneur involved in Injera baking and selling. From the story we can understand how far the business concepts such as specialization, division of labour and diversification of income are well employed in business venture. The girl is very conscious of selecting peers who share her principles and have added value on her future.

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Box 4 Case story I save Birr 6/day in rotating saving club Profile My name is Betelehem Gonfa, female, age 17, grade 8 continue my education. FamilyAt present I live with my aunt in Akaki. I have father, three brothers and one sister live in Adadi Mariam. Now we are in fear from living in old and unsafe house. The business I engage in Injera baking and selling. Initially my aunt used to run the same business, latter on I took over and my aunt now preparing Tela instead of running Injera business. There is division of labour among myself and aunt. My aunt developed confidence and gave me responsibility. I bought a sheep having her young sheep and left with my family members who are living in Adadi Mariamabout 40 kms far from Addis Ababa on the way Alem Genet-Butajira road. My brother is more responsible and keeping the sheep. I regret that my mother passed away and could not be with us to share the benefits I gained from the business. The positive effect of the project I cover my personal costs (clothing, shoes, etc) from the income I generate from the business. Many neighbourhoods would like to get the opportunity we have obtained (trainings and business start up grant). I save birr 6/day in rotating saving clubs (in Amahric it is called Iqub). The members of the club are 10 operators and the saving will go for 10 days, meaning every one collects birr 600 every day through drawing prizes. This means at the end of the 10th day the last member of the saving club gets her (his) saving. We complete one round then start another round of saving.

The representatives of youth associations were also benefited from the project. We asked them about the extent to what level the project interventions have made change in their life. They mentioned that the entire process has brought the following: Group and individual learning, behaviour change and produced improvement in business performance. One interviewee gave an example of behavioural change, .....In the past, I was addicted to many kinds of bad things, now all thrown away. Another interviewee commenting: I have carefully understood the importance of tolerance in the situation where access to capital is scarce, now better organized self to be hard worker. Kebede Bekre (2011) argues that one of the positive life styles of young boys and girls is their ability to resist peer pressure and avoid unnecessary compromise with their core values in their relationships. Developing knowledge and skills to freely interact with peer groups and screening what to do and not do in the relationship is key for a healthy development.

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As we can see from the story of Mekdes, the peer learning is one of the elements helping project beneficiaries to learn from success and failure stories.
Box 5 Case story In the past, I was chewing chat27 and idling ProfileMy name is Mekdes Geremew, female, age 25, completed 8th grade. FamilyI born and grew up in this place (Katanga)28, I do not know the meaning of Katanga but thinking it would be a village for transactional sex workers. It is a neighbourhood where many transactional sex workers are found, and many drunk people can be seen on the road. Before marriage I ended up on leading my life in transactional sex work in exchange for money. I realized that the place is not good to rear my daughter and have a plan to change our living place. People do not like not only living here but even seeing someone living here. Currently, I live with my husband and 1 daughter less than one year old. Discussion agenda with friendsBefore three years back an NGO organized 13 transactional sex workers including myself to engage in restaurant business. We called the restaurant Edget-the English version of the name is growth. We were given money to run the business and unfortunately the business could not continue for longer period because of the arising dispute among ourselves. Whenever there is dispute we could not able to settle it amicably. This is the reason why we failed running the joint business. My friends are coming to my place to share their experience which is very interesting. I am inspired by the change they are making in their life. During the interview we observed two of the friends of Meskerem who came to her place to chat on their experience and future hopes. The businessI am running a local bar where I sell tea, coffee, Areke, soft drinks and bread. I also sell charcoal. I rented the house from Kebele at a cheaper rate, this is the reason why I still leave and work in Katanga. My husband is a daily labourer, does not support the work I am currently doing. Meskdes and the EDA livelihood projectI have heard about EDAs youth project while working on restaurant business with my friends. 13 of us established relationship with EDA to involve in the project. The positive effect of the projectAs I said earlier my friends become away from transactional sex work and leading decent life. This can be example not only for me but for many young girls leading their life in such bad condition. In the past, I was chewing chat and idling myself, the current business I am doing is by far better.

Youth serving NGOs have similar conception about the impact of the project on youth. In their view, young boys and girls have shown commitment to improve their life through behavioural change and savings. Some of the beneficiary youth become role models for others in a way that using opportunities to develop self. They use the notion, start small, and develop further.

27 28

It is a stimulant plant, the leaf is chewed by people addicted to it. The interview was conducted in Katanga, in Mekdess working place. 41

The living conditions of youth improved through involving in small business consciously and having adequate entrepreneurship skills. They established business cluster29 and linkages; developed a good competency in analyzing business profitability and bankruptcy. Youth serving NGOs have acknowledged the positive impact of the project on their work. Their comments included: The knowledge we have gained from EDAs training has improved our IGA interventions. ..we transferred the knowledge gained from training events to our clients. In this project, best practices have been demonstrated, and can be replicated elsewhere in Ethiopia. The practice of the project will help NGOs to integrate income opportunities in development intervention aiming at poverty reduction. Impact on communityParticipants of evaluation offered a number of examples of the ways in which the participation of youth in EDAs livelihood project had an impact on community. Increased understanding of community about youth situation: One beekeeper, for example, described: If our bees bite the community members they understand the nature of beekeeping and tolerate. Another participant mentioned: Increased acceptance of youth by community because the youth have started supporting their family. Decision makers at community level have positive attitude about the performance of youth and willing to extend support to youth. The third participant commented: The community has acknowledged the inevitability of change in living situation of individuals through conscious engagement in small initiatives like the youth livelihood ventures. The community members have been encouraged to follow the good practice of youth groups, and they did mention that their children are good in saving; they would also like to follow their model. The community further acknowledges the contribution of EDAs youth project and recommends other NGOs to follow similar approach to redress marginalization and poverty. A striking example provided by ex-transactional sex workers who forget about the past and looking forward to what lies ahead: Looking at our progress in terms of running business and taking care for our children, business men encourage us through providing credit and advise. Another example given by young boys involved in shoe shine. Their clients gradually developed confidence to leave with them shoes for days which has not been the practice in the past. Now operators have had permanent workspace and have made progress in their businessrunning shoe shine in combination with repair.

29

A business cluster is a geographic concentration, interrelationship and association of business in a particular field. 42

Many of respondents agree on the positive contribution of the EDAs training on communities. Their comments included: communities having tertiary level education appreciated the content of the training, its importance for youth at their early age, and the training is similar with college level education, and the training cultivated the culture of saving among community members as well. Communities have developed positive attitude toward hard working regardless of the type of work through observing the success of boys and girls. As mentioned by respondents they have shown much interest to be part of the project. On the other hand there are community members who lack confidence on the achievements of youth. The situation was described by shoe shine groups as: Some owners of houses do not show willingness to rent their house to us involved in shoe shine business. They lack confidence though we are generating income and capable of paying rent. In such situation youth are forced to move from one place to another resulting in loosing their clients and generating less income. Beekeepers in Akaki mentioned that some communities residing in their neighbourhood could not distinguish youth livelihood project from other OVC programs of EDA. They discourage us by opposing our involvement in youth livelihood project while our parents alive. According to the view of evaluators, such kind of misunderstanding within communities would arise from lack of information and sensitization about the project approach and interventions. An action responding to the challenge should be part of the project intervention, to be carried out continuously instead of a one off task. Interventions such as community education sessions for family and communities will hopefully facilitate the establishment of a strong linkage between youth entrepreneurs, their family and community. Impact on decision makersThe government stakeholders have concluded that the EDA training has impact on public servants cooperating with EDA. In their words: When we joined the office two years back we have no adequate expertise in the area of promotion of micro and small business. At present, we use the input of the training in our daily routines. Participants of the evaluation further explained the extent to what level the project impacted on decision makers. Their views summarized as: The project proved that small efforts could produce good results in creating job opportunities. The decision makers become willing to provide support to the project and further oversee replication beyond the project area. The success of the project in terms of changing the living condition of youth has been known by the grass root community as well as decision makers.

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The project experience has increased the understanding of decision makers about creating employment opportunities and would help them taking informed decision and to effectively guiding similar interventions.

We have examined the impact that the project brought at the level of young boys and girls; community; youth serving NGOs; decision makers and business men. According to the findings except there are small initiatives here and there, the project has not yet created a strong linkage between youth beneficiaries and communities which could have brought more impact on youth beneficiaries and community groups. 5.6 Sustainability of results

The evaluators used the following indicators to measure sustainability30 of project impact and benefitcapability of beneficiaries to run their business, functional system establishment to further support beneficiaries, community participation and sense of ownership, implementation, and capacity building system to share and learn from practice. FGD participants of youth beneficiaries have identified issues that help ensure sustainability of their business. According to them the issues are ranging from being competitive in the market place to capacity of business analysis.
Box 6 Important considerations to ensure sustainability Kolo business is profitableI have many clients, would like to expand the business. I want to pack and supply Kolo to supermarkets instead of walking around bars and restaurants to sell in retail. This will improve the marketability of Kolo, although it requires more investment in means of production the amount is not too expensive, I hopefully manage by my own. The following factors contribute towards sustaining our business and developing ourselves. Being competitive in the market place and furthering our education are key to sustain our income and develop ourselves. We live in neighbourhoods, understand each other and share our problems and prospects that help us to continue our business (beekeeping). We work on part time basis and continue developing our business. Modern beehives are key to sustainability of beekeeping. The beekeepers informally organized themselves, submitted their business plan to EDA and obtained modern beehives in the month of November 2011. This means that they moved from traditional to modern beehives which will result in increasing production/productivity. They obtained beehives in good time that fits the production period.

30

The evaluators share the working definition given by Covey (2006). He suggests sustainability to begin with a focus on human needs. Meeting the material needs is the primary goal for sustainable development; in fact this cannot be achieved by in isolation from all the levels of need satisfaction. 44

Youth operators have indicated their concern related with the current high rate of inflation that would have influence on their business. In their words: Increased price of raw materials will affect the profitability of the business; therefore more subsidy is important to increase the competitiveness of the business. Another participant stated that she has well analysed the need for move from handicraft business to preparing and selling Injera so that to get more money out of it. According to her, lack of capital constrained the transition from her current business to another type of business. She still keeps on looking for other business opportunity with the amount of capacity which she can manage it. Probe was made to the representatives of youth associations to reflect on the measures leading to sustainability. They benefited from the project as well as actively participated in the project as trainers. Their comments summarized in Table 9 are to some extent similar with the responses of our interviewees.
Table 9 Actions leading to sustainability

Variables

Responses

The future thinking Running own business, already the business type was about business identified Clear about the start and completion We obtained knowledge about saving money and customer management, this makes difference in ones life The project has created capacity for those who did not have it before, now they are full of hope and positive about the future Behavior From inside out-provide training, while learning from trainees In the past, I practiced different kinds of addiction, now all thrown away The project helped me to be strong; result oriented and saved me from bad behaviors Learning I know more about leadership, management and business Looking business from different dimension Always there is attempt to consider the situation while dealing with business Result in business Tolerance is important in the situation where access to capital performance is scarce Helped me to be organized, exercise hard work, and opening up shop Assistance needed to Get further knowledge and finance effectively run business EDA to assess my potentials, facilitate access to financial support and advice

This group of beneficiaries has a good outlook towards the future. They have analyzed the past performance, the present practice and gave the future plans. As similar for other groups of beneficiaries, the representatives of youth associations were inspired by the project and looking forward to enter into business some have identified business ideas; developed strategy to translate their idea into action.
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Others still look for support to realize their potentials. According to the observation of evaluation team, it is good to work on potentials before they become aborted. This is specifically true when time goes the ideas will remain ideas, not being translated into action. In the view of youth serving NGOs, working with diverse stakeholders is a plus to sustain the project activities. They further noted: The government policy is in support of the project activities; the government authorities involved in the process of project implementation will continue supporting the youth operators. The trainings provided to government authorities and youth serving NGOs contributed much to understand about the project approach and will continue helping to ensure sustainability. The relationship developed with MFIs and MEPO is good start leading to sustaining project results. According to EDA, different actors have already taken up actions that would lead to sustainability of the project activities. Following are actions cited by EDA: The local government adopted the training and many master trainers graduated. The same training is organized and conducted without the involvement of EDA. Fund is allocated by the local government to sustain the project. In cooperation with network organizations EDA has already been replicating the project approach in nine regions. The youth livelihood project has been accorded greater importance by government as it is feeding into government policy. The local ownership of the project is maintained by local government and the beneficiaries themselves which can be a basis to ensure sustainability. The findings of the evaluation reveal that the project has established a good ground to ensure sustainability of the project results. Skill, knowledge, experience and inspiration of youth operators to run business, community support to project activities, willingness of government authorities including MFIs to extend further support to youth groups, motivation of youth serving NGOs to institutionalize the essence and approach of the project in their work are some of the indications for sustainability. Many of youth beneficiaries have developed creativity, customer orientation, and peer learning. As mentioned by youth serving NGOs, in Akaki and Debre Berhan, EDA has signed MoU with government authorities, but not signed the same with youth serving NGOs. Signing MoU with concerned stakeholders facilitates the institutionalization process of the relationship between organizations and hopefully contributes to sustain project activities.

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Inflation and inadequate access to working space are among the factors which negatively influence the performance of youth beneficiaries. Therefore, it seems relevant to make close follow up on this issue by concerned authorities (MFIs and government authorities) to help beneficiaries to cope up with externalities. 6 6.1 Conclusion and recommendations Conclusion

Beneficiary selection processEDA has set out beneficiary selection criteria. Our respondents and EDA have mentioned that the selection of beneficiaries was carried out together with representatives of youth association and youth serving NGOs. However, the evaluators could not find strong evidence confirming the participation of pertinent stakeholders such as government authorities, youth serving NGOs, MFIs and communities. In context of EDAs livelihood project, the evaluators could not find evidence demonstrating the interface between monitoring and the learning mainstream that provides adequate room for relevant stakeholders. Rather the accountability role of M&E is dominant over learning role. The project has brought significant change in the lives of youth beneficiariesAs per the assessment of the evaluation team, the participation of young boys and girls in youth livelihood project has made significant change in their lifethey become self confident, strong, creative, self supportive and positive about the future. Particularly the youth beneficiaries are inspired to run business in combination with pursuing their education. This parallel and knowledge oriented action will facilitate the development of self as well as their business. Peer to peer learning, support extended by their family and community are among additional factors contributed to success for good performers in the business venture. Taxi assistants, OVC, street children who have no close family members become less successful in their business as they could not get the necessary support from their family/relatives. There have been reported cases where less successful youth have considered the financial support as a free hand out and expended much of the money for personal consumption than business venture. More contribution of training over start up grantThe respondents did give more value for the training than the amount of money given to start own business. As one of beneficiary exclaimed, ...the start up grant is not sufficient. We matched the amount provided by EDA with money obtained from other people who are not necessarily our relatives. Otherwise it does not take us a long way with the current level of increase in living cost and materials.

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The emergence of positive attitude in communityThe interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and survey results have confirmed that the project has brought positive change in the attitude of communities. They have acknowledged the hard work of youth and their success, increased willingness to support youth, learning from saving practice of youth, developed the business concept start small and slowly grow. More importantly, the business types experienced by youth operators tend to build on local practice, and familiar businesses in communities, which contributed a lot to success. EDA has a good experience in partnership development and fund raising. Its relationship with communities, youth serving NGOs, government stakeholders and donor organizations has developed well. One of partner organizations commented: EDA is committed, learning organization,31 and adapting changes in its own context or reality, high respect from the community and government as a development partner. The evaluators have also proved the strong local support by government authorities and youth serving NGOs in the field. Such well trusted partnership has helped EDA to reach more beneficiaries beyond the initial target. EDA has made a conscious effort to address gender issues in the project. Except in partnership meetings in all other project interventions (trainings, business grant application and winning) the participation of young girls has been in good number. The findings of survey as well as case studies confirm that most of surveyed girls are successful in running business and able to save more than Birr 100 weekly which has not been experienced by young boys. The move toward sustainability is encouraging. The project interventions are in consistency with government employment policy and have obtained significant societal support (government authorities including MFIs, youth serving NGOs, communities including business men) which is a key to ensure sustainability. Key actors in the process are aware of their role in ensuring sustainability without much involvement of EDA. For example, MFIs would have changed their mind from considering youth as risk clients to successful operators motivated to saving, MEPO has shown interest to adequately takeover the beneficiaries from EDA to extend the required support. 6.2 Recommendations

The evaluators gathered and analyzed data at different levelsyouth beneficiaries, community, and youth serving NGOs, government stakeholders, EDA and donor. The recommendations will also follow similar pattern.
31

According to Britton (2005) a learning organization is an organization that facilitates the learning of all its members and continuously transforms itself, an organization that is skilled at creating, acquiring and transferring knowledge and modifying its behavior to reflect new knowledge and insights and the organization which builds and improves its own practice, consciously and continually devising and developing the means to draw learning from its own and others experience. 48

Beneficiaries The beekeepers in Akaki use local knowledge and practice to improve their business. They are open, dynamic, energetic and eager to move to the next ladder of their business. It has been found out that they have inadequate information on taxation, their eligibility for accessing loan and land. The evaluators suggest that the beekeepers need to be organized in formal association that will help them to access information and services relevant to their business. It is also recommended youth beneficiaries to involve in joint lobbying of government and other actors to get support in good time. Youth serving NGOs Experience exchange between young operators is important to promote peer to pear learning from practice. Youth serving NGOs have developed adequate capacity to mainstream the project approach in their core function. They can be a lobby group to scaling up the project at relatively larger scale. The operators of ex-transactional sex workers and shoe shine boys have made some change in their life and business, and obtained community support. This can be an entry point to furthering the work with similar groups particularly the girls who have not yet reached by the project and leading transactional sex work as a livelihood option. If EDA or organizations in the partnership pool have a plan to implement similar project the experience of operators will facilitate the process with the same group. Government stakeholders and MFIs Government stakeholders in cooperation with youth serving NGOs and EDA to organize and conduct a regular consultation meeting among the project beneficiaries. The FGD participant during our discussion commented: We have learned a lot from young girls about the Injera baking and selling business and the experience of transactional sex workers. Such horizontal learning should be promoted by government partners since they assume responsibility and willing to support the youth operators. It is also recommended that government stakeholders to be in drivers seat to quickly chart out the next steps in regard to smooth transfer of beneficiaries to government authorities and MFIs. EDA and youth serving NGOs have a stake in the process. Since recent period, government has introduced award for innovative micro and small business operators. Therefore, the evaluation team envisages that the government stakeholders to look into options to encourage youth operators. It is a high time to promote and mobilize other actors to forge efforts in addressing the development challenges of youth at relatively higher scale.
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According to the observation of evaluation team, there are youth groups who have potential for developing their business, therefore MFIs need to give awareness on the dynamics of the sector through arranging session to update young operators. EDA Beneficiary selection The evaluation outcome found out that both in Akaki and Debre Berhan the process of target selection has limitation and recommendation made to make it more participatory. Such process needed to be articulated in detail before project execution to begin with. The participation of government authorities and communities in the process of beneficiary selection is paramount since they are nearer to the problems, solutions and available capacities in their locality. In future, it is commendable to ensure active involvement of key stakeholders including MFIs in the process of beneficiary selection. Effective publicity and promotion was one of the strongest themes to emerge from the evaluation. Increasing awareness of the NGOs, government, private sector and the larger public in general through media, news paper, news letter, and website have been recognized as areas for improvement. EDA may need to look into alternative means of strengthening its monitoring, tracking and evaluation system. Generating baseline data at initial stage is important to compare the post and present situation of beneficiaries. Such data can be obtained from other NGOs or government stakeholders who are involved in similar youth livelihood project. This will further help to document and share the success and failure stories of group and individual business so that to draw lessons and improve the practice. For example, the discussion with government stakeholders has shown that project mid-term evaluation in Akaki has not yet undertaken with government stakeholders. Therefore, in future it is highly recommended to develop good follow up, monitoring and evaluation system. Giving value for time is important in business deal. Young boys and girls provided strong argument on the situation that they have missed their classes to participate in trainings, interviews, and other project events. It seems wise to conduct interviews and trainings during the time convenient for them without compromising their precious time out of school hours and weekends can be seen as options. It is suggested to give big ears and eyes to learn from the practice of communitiesThe young beekeepers in Akaki have indicated their interest to continue cooperation with EDA in revitalizing the beekeeping demonstration site. We recommend, EDA to see the feasibility of partnership to use their skills and experience to make the demonstration site more efficient.

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In future, increasing the business start up grant seems justifiable considering the level of inflation and stiff business completion. SKI Almost all participants of the evaluation have recommended the scaling up of similar project in project areas and elsewhere in Ethiopia. In particular, the suggestion has come from realizing the impact and benefit of training. Therefore, further partnership between EDA and SKI is commendable to reach out more young boys and girls. In the process of scaling up it is envisaged to wisely use the already developed capacity within project beneficiaries, youth serving NGOs, government stakeholders, MFIs and EDA. 7 Lessons learned

Development initiatives based on participation of relevant stakeholders, local knowledge and skills tend to be more fruitful and sustainable. As a result of these participatory interventions EDA has been successful in achieving results in short whilewithin a period of three years. Entrepreneurship development among youth groups should keep its pace, influencing the pace will not lead to successful results. The evaluators have learned that steps followed by the project are reinforcing each other and suit with the interest of beneficiaries. The following steps followed: Understand the concept of the project before start operation, then deepen understanding from practice; Inspire and make young people to be goal oriented; Provide time to them to internalize and reflect on the inputs of the training in association with their current life and future goals. At this stage, the young people identify business idea in which they would like to involve; and Then continuing with other steps like giving start up grant, coaching and mentoring. As per the evaluation findings real learning has taken place in this project among different groups of peoplethe youth groups, working toward the change they believe in, people who are involved in the action, and people who are valuing real partnership and facilitating the process instead of influencing and bringing arrogance. The core for these people has been brining change in the lives of children and youth.

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From the project experience, the evaluators have learned that development is all about changing the life of individuals, groups, communities, and society at large. In this regard, EDA has not limited itself with addressing the initial target number rather reaching out quite a large number of beneficiaries without incurring additional financial costs. The reaching out of more people does not compromise quality and quantity of the services provided to the target groups. In conclusion, we have learned that changing the life of young boys and girls is not too expensive. Two issues for consideration: (i) doing the same thing but in different ways, sometimes called out of the box model and (ii) working in partnership with stakeholders who have knowledge, experience and money.

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Annex 1 ToR for Evaluation

Consultancy: Impact Evaluation on the Emmanuel Development Association and Street Kids Internationals Youth Livelihood Project 2009-2011

Background Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of child labour in the word. One half of all 5 -14 year olds or 7.5 million are at work in economic activity. Child labour is closely linked to youth employment capacity as early experience in the labour market influences lifetime patterns of employment, unemployment and underemployment. Lack of opportunity for youth is of critical concern to the economic development of the country as Ethiopia has one of the largest youth populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the largest population of youth living on under $1 a day (UN Youth Report 2005). Recognizing the need to plan meaningful interventions for youth who are at a critical juncture, the government of Ethiopia has developed policies and programmes that fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC). The National Youth Policy (2004) emphasizes the need for youth capacity building toward economic stability. The National Labour Policy also supports the idea of apprenticeship and mentorship recognizing the need for early support by allowing youth as young as 14 to enter into formal apprenticeships. These labour and youth policies aim to support economic growth with capacity building as one of the four pillars for poverty reduction outlined in Ethiopias Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme (SDPRP 2002). Entrepreneurship training is a critical component of capacity building for youth. Street Kids International has been working with the EDA since 2007 and in 2009 applied to CIDA for a 3 year project to address youth unemployment in Ethiopia through small business training and development with young people and networking and capacity building for youth serving organizations. The regional focus of the project is the Addis Ababa region (Akaki Kality) and the Amhara region (Debre Berhan). The project is nearing completion and Street Kids and EDA have recently applied to CIDA to extend the project from 2011 2016. To successfully implement the new initiatives, the evaluation of past projects and identification of best practices and lessons learnt are crucial. The youth employment/livelihood sector lacks accurate and reliable data or analysis on the impact on employment/livelihood of these projects. As a result, many of the interventions within the youth sector are based on estimates and anecdotal information. Uninformed and nonstrategic interventions impact negatively on the development of the sector. EDA and Street Kids will therefore conduct field-level research of the livelihood impact of youth entrepreneurship interventions from the 3 year project. This will provide valuable information as part of the EDAs support for the identification of best practices.

Purpose and Objective The overall objective is to conduct field-level research of the livelihood impact of the CIDA youth livelihood program: The Youth Venture Initiative: Harmonized Programs for Economic Opportunities which thus far has benefited over 1500 young people. The specific objectives are: To assess the impact of completed projects as to self-employment created and livelihoods improved (income/profit analysis); To assess the impact of completed projects in individual life of youth beneficiaries, communities and local business market; To assess the progress of the project against outputs and outcomes included within the project logframe; To identify best practices on intervention approaches; To identify lesson learnt on intervention approaches; To analyze the factors of success and challenges on project outcomes; To analyze and provide recommendations on M&E tools for 5 year project; To develop recommendations for the 5 year project 2011 2016. The exact nature of the research areas includes: Business development training and start-up support Savings Mentorship support Networking and support for youth serving organizations in the field of enterprise development for young people Monitoring and evaluation practices The specific deliverables of the assignment: Overall evaluation of completed projects including a comprehensive report that can be shared with stakeholders and donors; Analysis report on best practices identified (project design, intervention approach and M&E practices) to be up-scaled or duplicated; Analysis report on lessons learnt identified (project design, intervention approach and M&E design) to be shared among stakeholders. RQUIRED EXPERTISE The required expertise shall be the following: Economics and related social science field with BSC or above with experience in development or NGOs undertaking similar works for minimum of ten years Grassroots Community development experiences and international development experiences with youth focused development practices Other expertise if any required to undertake the given assignment shall be fulfilled

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OBLIGATIONS OF THE CLIENT All data pertaining in relation to the project shall be provided by the Client All relevant documents related to the study area (if any) Effect payments to the consultant after timely submission of the documents

MODE OF PAYMENT The mode of payment shall be agreed during contract negotiation.

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Annex 2 List of FGD participants in Akaki and Debre Berhan 1. Akaki participants 1.1 youth beneficiaries (16/11/2011) Nr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Name Bekele Megersa Fikerte Kefelegne Bezuye Werku Belete Tefera Getahun Asnake Tamirat Asnake Ephrem Chaka Netsanet Megersa Borcha Belachew Hamelmal Weldu Bekele Megersa Yenenesh W/Hana Total M X Sex F X X X X X X X X X X X 8 4 Age 18 19 20 17 16 17 18 18 18 23 20 38 Education level 10 grade 10+2 No 10 9 10 10+2 9 9 Diploma 10+1 12 Type of business Continue Beekeeping Completed Kolo Shop Continue Beekeeping Continue Beekeeping Continue Beekeeping Continue Beekeeping Continue Beekeeping Continue Complete Continue Complete Beekeeping Pool playing Tailoring Hand crafts Status

1.2 Government and MFI stakeholders (17/11/2011) Nr Name Sex Organization M F 1 Azeb H/Mariam X AMFI 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gosaye Worku Abera Belay Lominat Hailu Bethlehem Tadesse Lemlem G/Hiwot Tsedale Sheferaw X X X X X X AMFI Finance & Economic Development Health Centre Office of Women, Children, and Youth Office of Micro and Small Enterprises Promotion Office of Micro and Small Enterprises Promotion

Responsibility Contact (cell) Head, business operation M&E NGO programs Volunteer Officer Team leader Officer, Business Development 0912051788 0913730034 0913768961 0913534826 0911118461 0911773091 09101710239

Total

2. Debre Berhan 2.1 Youth beneficiaries (21/11/2011) Nr Name M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Tarikua Negusie Enanu Teferi Sara Demisew Alem Tilahun Aletaseb Ayalew Zeritu Mengistu Fantu Tsegaye Tariku Tadesse Tamirat Sheferaw Demmelash H/Michael Genet Fekere Belete Tadesse Senayt Tekalegne Emebet Mamo Hiwot G/Wolde Adanech Tesfaye Yohannes Alene Kassahun Shebeshi Werkeye Debebe Sex F X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 14 Age 19 34 25 21 24 23 20 16 16 15 25 17 28 29 20 24 20 28 21 25 Education level 8 3 5 3 8 6 8 8 10 3 9 9 10+1 12 10 7 10 6 3 Type of business Charcoal selling Injera baking and selling Vegetable selling (onion) Vegetable selling (onion) Injera baking /selling Selling bread Selling bread and tea Shoe shine and maintenance Maintenance of shoes Shoe shine Injera baking/selling Shoe shine Injera baking/selling Injera baking/selling Vegetable selling Vegetable selling Maintenance of shoes Maintenance of shoes Vegetable selling (onion) Vegetable selling (onion)

20 Fanos Tekele Total

2.2 Government and MFI stakeholders (22/11/2011) Nr Name Sex Organization M F 1 Asebech X Micro and Small Enterprise Amdeberhan Promotion Office 2 Gashawe Kebede X Micro and Small Enterprise Promotion Office 3 Tadesse X Amhara Credit and Saving Sheferaw Institute 4 Abrar Nuru X Micro and Small Enterprise Promotion Office 5 Gezahegne Hailu X Office of Finance and Economic Development 4 1 Total
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Responsibility Extension officer Textile and clothing promotion officer Manager Trade promotion officer NGO monitoring and evaluation officer

3. NGOs participant in Akaki and Debre Berhan (17/11/2011) Nr Name Sex Organization Responsibility M F 1 Zena Tekle X Care for the poor Supervisor 2 Admasu X Pact Ethiopia Project W/Afrashe coordinator 3 Alemensh X EDA Volunteer Gizachew 4 China Tadesse X EDA Volunteer 5 Nunish Kebede X Family Guidance Coordinator Association 6 Derbe Morcha X LIA Social worker 7 Fekadu Daba X RETRAK Ethiopia Deputy Country Representative Total 4 3

Contact (cell) 0920810238 0911986240 0911844607 0913150728 0912176595 0911907363

4. List of participants from EDA at discussion conducted on 16/12/2011 Name 1. Tesema Bekele 2. Berhanu Shanko 3. Shemeles Anegagreghne 4. Yohas Ashagari All 4 participants are male. Position Executive director Program officer, Debre Berhan Project coordinator Program area manager, Akaki 0913 506157 0913 488476 0911 165184 Contact details

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Annex 3 Case stories

Case story 1 I am still in Katanga but cut down having sex in exchange for money ProfileMy name is Mekdes Geremew, female, age 25, completed 8th grade. Family and friendsI born and grew up in this place (Katanga)1, I do not know the meaning of Katanga but thinking it would be a village for transactional sex workers. Before marriage I ended up on leading my life in transactional sex work in exchange for money. I realized that the place is not good to rear my daughter and have a plan to change our living place. People do not like not only living here but even seeing someone living here. Currently, I live with my husband and 1 daughter less than one year old. It is a neighbourhood where many transactional sex workers are found, and many drunken people can be seen on the road. Discussion agenda with friendsBefore three years back an NGO organized 13 transactional workers including myself to engage in restaurant business. We called the restaurant Edget-the English version of the name is growth. We were given money to run the business and unfortunately the business could not continue for longer period because of the arising dispute among ourselves. Whenever there is dispute we could not able to settle it amicably. This is the reason why we failed running the business. My friends are coming to my place to share their experience which is very interesting. I am inspired by the change they are making in their life. During the interview two of the friends of Meskerem came to her place to chat on their experience and future hopes. The businessI am running a local bar where I sell the following: tea, coffee, Areke, soft drinks and bread. I also sell charcoal. I rented the house from Kebele with cheaper price and this is the reason why I still leave and work in Katanga. My husband is a daily labourer, does not support the work I am doing currently. Meskdes and the EDA livelihood projectI have heard about EDA youth project while working on restaurant business with my friends. 13 of us established relationship with EDA to involve in the project. The positive effect of the projectAs I said earlier my friends become away from transactional sex work and leading decent life. This can be example not only for me but for many young girls leading their life in such bad condition. In the past, I was chewing chat and idling myself, the current business is by far better. The likesThe advice given on saving was very encouraging. I have bank book though could not save due to my increased cost to rear my daughter. The support provided to enable us to earn livelihoods out of business. Through the project my friends who used to be transactional sex workers are currently able to lead decent life. 7 moved from this place (Katanga) to good residential area. They provided birr 700 after training.
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The interview was conducted in Katanga, in Mekdess working place. iv

The dislikesI have only seen EDA people a year ago. They do not come and see me, maybe I am still here in Katanga but no more having sex in exchange for money. The rent price I am paying is very small amount which encourages me to live in Katanga otherwise I earn small income out of it just to maintain life. EDA provided Birr 700 which is not sufficient to carry out a business, now I am running the business through matching more money. Future plan (journey) I do not want to continue running alcohol selling business. It has negative side, would like to involve in small trade such as selling fruits and vegetables. I and my husband agreed to move to other business. He strongly disagrees with selling alcohol, I keep on undertaking the business for a shorter period until I find out feasible business otherwise do not like it because people harass you. I wish friends also to be away from transactional sex work. I am motivated to selling fruits and vegetables either as wholesaler or retailer. I use the knowledge gained from EDAs training to start small business and gradually develop.

Case story 2 I regret that my mother couldnt be with us to share the joys Profile My name is Betelehem Gonfa, female, age 17, grade 8 continue my education. FamilyAt present I live with my aunt in Akaki. I have father, three brothers and one sister live in Adadi Mariam. Now we are in fear from living in old and unsafe house. Discussion agenda with friends I have a girl friend with whom we work on similar type of business, injera baking and selling. We usually discuss about how to support our families and complement one the others idea. The business I engage in Injera baking and selling. Initially my aunt used to run the business, latter on I took over and my aunt now preparing Tela instead of running Injera business. There is division of labour among myself and aunt. My aunt developed confidence and gave me responsibility. I bought a sheep with her young sheep and left with my family members who are living in Adadi Mariamabout 40 kms far from Addis Ababa on the way Alem Genet-Butajira. My brother is more responsible and keeping the sheep. I regret that my mother passed away and could not be with us to share the benefits I gained from the business. Betelehem and the EDA livelihood project A girl called Roman working in Kebele Administration informed me about the EDA project. She introduced me with another lady (Meheret) who supported me to link up with EDA. Having trained, I received Birr 960 to start the business. I started running the business after getting training and money from EDA youth livelihood project. I decided to change my living out of the experience of business in which my aunt involved in. There are clear process of business start up; first I got training, second based on the training developed business plan; third a grant amounting birr 960 given and then running the business was begun. The positive effect of the project I cover my personal costs (clothing, shoes, etc) from the income I generate from the business. Many neighbourhoods would like to get the opportunity we have obtained (trainings and business start up grant). I save birr 6/day in rotating saving clubs (in Amahric it is called Equb). The members of the club are 10 operators and the saving will go for 10 days, meaning every one collects Birr 600 every day through drawing prizes. This means at the end of the 10th day the last member of the saving club gets the saving. We complete one round then start another round of saving. The likesThe trainings of EDA which are very supportive to run a business, how to effectively communicate with clients and others. The financial and technical support given to us sharpened our understanding about business and now I am becoming successful. The dislikes I have nothing.

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Future plan (journey) I want to continue my education at university level. Would like to specialize in Law with a purpose of contributing towards ensuring law enforcement, supporting street children, and gender equality through reduced burden of women in our community. I would like to improve the living of our family including the current housing condition of my aunt. I envision seeing the living condition of my friends changed through working hard. In regard to the business, I would like to open up a restaurant around our village. I do further study to realize my plan. The training provided by EDA will help to realize my future goal, still I am looking forward to further getting training to sharpen my business skill, and also would like to obtain more financial support to realize my future goal.

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Case story 3 My first priority is to run animal fattening business Profile My name is Wendemagegn Negussie, male, age 21, and 10+3, college student. Family I live with my family having four members- father working as a security guard, mother selling food items in small village market, and one sister. Discussion agenda with friends The friends of mine live in the same village, all of us used to work as shoe shiners. During our working hours we discuss about how to improve our business. Out of working ours we discuss on family issues and sport. We go together to church. The business I involve in bicycle renting service. It is a group business having three members, it is a good business, and there are clients for the service. All the members (three of us) are students and busy on week days with our education. We run the business during weekends and holidays, we ask others to do on behalf of us. We have three bicycles; carry out simple maintenance of bicycle. Heavy maintenance costs us much money otherwise the business is good. Wendemagengn and the EDA livelihood projectI started involvement in EDA project 2 years back, Nunu Kebede (working with FGA) told about EDA project and helped us to participate in training. Each member of the group received Birr 960, in total three of us received Birr 2880 to start the business. The positive effect of the projectAs I explained the training is very good but so far we could not use effectively the knowledge we have gained from the training. This is mainly because of: shortage of materials, our busy schedule during weekdays for education (Monday-Friday), and no adequate money to move to other kind of business suiting our time. I hope in the new project EDA will support new young boys and girls. It is a good attempt to reach out more boys and girls with business skills, however it is equally important to continue follow up and working with us until we are becoming successful and there are impacts on our life. We (the current beneficiary youth) and EDA will benefit out of our experience. The likesProvision of money to start up the business, the training is very good and useful, the trainers are good, and the training approach is simple and flexible. The dislikes I dont know Future plan (journey) At present I am studying general metal fabrication. I would like to build on my profession and work after completion of my education. Keep on having a side business on top of the future regular job in which I involve in but not renting bicycle. I want to lead an independent life, without cutting down the relationship with my family, provide financial and other support to my family particularly to my 17 years old sister. We want to be successful in business, I am willing to share what I know with my friends, and also like to gain in return from them. My first priority is to involve in animal fattening if I get access to land, the second priority is opening music shop. 5 friends attended the training keep on assisting one another. Entrepreneurship skills we have developed will help us to achieve our goals.
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Case story 4 I am confident that I will realize my plan Hezebalem is 22 years old young girl, she earns livelihood from selling fruits and vegetables in one of open markets in Debre Berhan town. She is married, a mother of four years old daughter and one adopted child he is now a student of grade 9. According to Hezebalem, she grew in a poor family, who could not adequately support her education. She supported herself to complete grade 10 through preparing and selling Kolo. Before her involvement in EDAs livelihood project a year back, Hezbalem used to sell leaf of false bananato be used for baking bread. Having looked at her strength the kebele administration selected to participate in the project. She said her clients and better of people in Debre Berhan contributed to the current success she is proudly talking about. For Hezbalem the training provided by EDA has laid foundation on her business development. She commented: The EDAs training enhanced my knowledge on clients management, handling goods I am selling, and relevance of saving to improve business. ..my workplace is full of vegetables to sell. The people and business men around Hezbalem developed confidence and trust her. She manages to get loan from individuals; goods from business men on creditevery week she pays outstanding credit out of her income.

Hezbalem has concrete plan to expand the business. In another big market place she secured land from local government and has started the construction of her own shop (shown to the right). She completed the foundation work. In short run she will continue running the business in two market placethe volume of sales in two market places will significantly vary. The future is in retrospect, there is hope to move from retail to wholesale trade. Hezbalem is confident that she would realize her plan, I am motivated to expand my business through more investment to generate more profit over what I am earning, I am confident will realize my plan. The social interaction and entrepreneurship skill I have developed after EDAs training will be input for my current and future success.

Case story 5 Beekeeping does not require much time investment, nor compete with my education
Ephrem Challa is 18 years old boy, living with his family in Akaki, second year student at Kotebe Teachers Training College, in Addis Ababa. When he was in secondary school, he used to undertake shoe shining business. This business was consuming much of his time; difficult to regularly attend class and study at home. Ephrem mentioned that with the recommendation of his school he attended different trainings organized by EDA including street business toolkit, street banking toolkit and mentorship. After the training, in 2003 EDA provided him birr 900 as business start up grant. He appreciates the knowledge he gained from trainings, the training brought change in my life, helped me to develop self-confidence, helping family, to be wise and positively respond to social aspects, efficient use of money and saving, calculating cost of business and expand the market. Thanks to the project I am now on the right truck. At present, Ephrem runs beekeeping business in the compound of his family. The family members give support to the business. He began with beekeeping using traditional method and tools; he easily copied from Ato Teshager. Gradually moved to modern one. He collects honey twice in year and earns at least Birr 4,000 from the produce. He uses the income to cover his costs and saves the left over money.

In the view of Ephrem, Beekeeping does not take much of my time; I comfortably run the business with my education. The modern beehives he received from EDA will increase the productivity of the business as well as give solution for the biting of bees. Ephream has a vision of helping himself and his family. He would like to increase the size of his business relatively at higher scale and keep on furthering the promotion of beekeeping. In conclusion, Ephrem mentioned that the support he is getting from family members, friends,
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community and EDA is vital to realize his vision.

Case story 6

If I am not successful in my education,

I have a plan to scale up Injera and poultry keeping business Sara is 14 years old young girl, a student of 9th grade. She is living with five family members in Akaki, two sisters, and mother. Their father passed away. They are helping one another and making family business, her mother manages the preparation of Injera while Sara engages in selling Injera and keeping small scale poultry. Before her participation in EDAs livelihood project Sara has no enterpreneurship skill on what she was doing rather than simply working on selling Injera in open market. The lady who is in the kebele administration told Sara about the project and established relationship with EDA. Sara said that the project has great contribution and encouragement for those of youth who have no adequate orientation about business in their strugglle opted to compe up with the living situation. She trained in Street Banking Toolkit, financial management and saving. Sara commented, The training helped me to be purposefull and effectively manage my custumers. Sara has a strong hope to proceed her edcuation, she would like to meet her cost. Sara stated that before she obtained training and financial support from EDA they used to undertake the business in a very small scale30 kg of flour would take them upto five days to prepare Injera and sell it in open market. The income earned from the business was low compared to Saras time investment. But now they prepare Injera in bigger scale and supply to hottels and restaurants. The financial support obtained from EDA and the amount collected from Ekub (saving club) contributed to move to another level of business. She positively acknowledged significant contribution of the livelihood project in her life, Our life is now improved, two of my sisters are now completed their school with the support they have gotten from the income we are getting from the business. Sara told us about her future plan, In case, if I am not successful in my education, I am planning to scale up Injera business through supplying to big hoteles and restaurants; I have also a plan to expand my poultary keeping. In view of Sara the limitations of the project are: We have been told the business start up grant to be given immediately after the training, however it took them long time to give us. It would be good if they improve this and disburse the money in good time. After we received the money this is the first time they come and visit us, I think it is good to frequently vist and encourage us.
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According to Sara, in relation to EDA livelihood project many people are coming to them and take pictures, and make interview. She is confused and could not realize the purpose, are they doing it for the benefit of us or is there any other purpose?

Case story 7 in this changing world it is good to update ourselves

Getahun Tadese is 21 years old, completed 12th grade, living with his family including three sisters and a brother in Akaki. He first began the business with shoe shine, and then moved to simple repair of shoes. Currently Getahun together with three of his friends living in the same village are engaged in repair of shoes. This happened after they have obtained training and start up grant from livelihood project. Like Getahun his three friends used to run shoe shine business before they joined forces to work together on shoe repair. Getahun stated that his parents much helped him to start business and achieve this level. He is also grateful for youth livelihood project, the people who have organized and provided training. He would like the project to facilitate networking them with concerned local government authorities so that the operators get access to working space. Getahun considers the importance of continuous training and knowledge sharing. In his view, I suggest the training to continue; in this changing world it is good to update ourselves.

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Case story 8 During leisure time we discuss about the ways and means contributing to improve our life

Berhanu Tesfaye is 18 years old, living in Akaki, 10th grade student. He lost his parents at his early age. He lost both parents while he was five year and could not remember recall father and mother. After his mother passed away Berahanu started a new journeyworking in a shop where his mother used to work for. The shop was owned by individual, it could not continue due to bankruptcy. Berhanu turned to shoe shine business for over two years to make a living out of it. Berhanu has positive attitude toward shoe shine business. He mentioned: Business related with shoes has reliable market because everyone has and wears shoes. Everyone uses either shining or repair service of his (her) shoes. Berhanu said, together with his friends they strive to improve their living condition, during leisure time they discuss on the ways and means contributing to improve their life. Since recently they have been organized in association to get involved in a car washing and parking business. According to Berhanu, seven months back the staff of EDA contacted him to join the training program. The training has helped him to be critical on what and how to manage business, preparation of business plan, giving solution for different kinds of problems, evaluating the profitability of business, increased motivation to do any kind of job and developing saving culture. Berhanu earns Birr 30-40/day as income. His monthly saving amounts Birr 500. He has a vision of being successful in business and bringing significant change in his life. In order to realize his vision he would like to buy machine and equipments for shoe repair. He requested EDA to keep supporting him through providing advice and if possible assist him to buy hand tools and machine.

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Case story 9 I am now able to analyze the market situation, which is more than anything for managing business. Tewodros is a young boy, 19 years old living in Debre Berhan town. He completed 8th grade. He considers the family as poor, his mother earns livelihood out of a petty trade and his father gets pension payment. Tewodros has supported his mother through selling goods in container shop. In the view of Tewodros, the income coming from the business is too small to support the family. The youth association selected Tewodros to benefit from project interventions. He was trained on business management and provided Birr 960 to start business. Tewodros commented: The money given is too small to involve in any kind of business. Therefore, he started working as setting order for public transport vehicles. Apparently, he sales small things and earns Birr 20 per day. The major benefit Tewodros gained from the project: I have developed knowledge how to start business with small money, and develop the business the level I want. I am now able to analyze the market situation, which is more than anything for managing business. Tewodros mentioned that the training is totally new and helped him to easily manage change happening in his business. He has determination to run the business, continue his education become satisfying his needs, and develop capacity to support others. He further noted: We have the knowledge how and in what type of business to engage in but it is not possible to start the business with small amount of money. I need to see and test all kinds of business and select the profitable one out of the menu.

Tewodros and his friends are commonly discussing on how to bring change in their business and life. In his opinion, because of financial limitation they are out of the game & cant able to be compitent in the market. He condluded that financial capacity is one of important elements to be successful in business venture.

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Case story 10
I save Birr 100 weekly through saving club

Fekade Seyum is a 20 years old young boy living in Debre Berhan town, he is 10th grade student. In the past, he lived with his mother but now he leaves independently. He said he provides support to his mother. Fekade is making a living out of making mattress from grass. He supplies the product for retailers in Shewa Robit, Nazeret and other towns. As mentioned by Fekade, he involved in the livelihood project through the recommendation of his friend who is working with EDA. He trained in business and financial management. Before the training he used to work with family, after the training started to save money through saving club (Ekub) and when he got the saving he has immediately started the current business. When he is with friends, they discuss about life and kinds of business that are more profitable. According to Fekade, he earns up to Birr 50 per day and saves Birr 100 in rotating saving (Ekub) peer week. Fekade has an amount of Birr 5000 working capital. He has a vision to expand his business particularly would like to buy raw materials in bulk from the place where it is produced in reduced price. He aspires to get the necessary inputs (money and trainings) so as to realize his vision.

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Annex 4 Conceptual model

The data collection and analysis carried out at three levels: at beneficiary level (young boys and girls); communities; youth serving organizations and other stakeholders. The following conceptual model was used in the process.

Youth and stakeholders actively participated in project interventions

Target groups for youth project are relevant ones

Behavior changed

-Improved income and livelihoods -Increased capacity of youth serving organizations & other stakeholders

Target groups for business skills and coaching correctly selected

Increased knowledge and exposure to business Training quality, sequence and frequency maintained

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Annex 5 Definition of terms Business planIt is a step in launching a new venture or expanding the existing one. Such a plan includes goals for the enterprise, a description of the product or services, and the market opportunity, and an explanation of the resources and means to run the business. Coaching is a process of giving someone professional advice on how to attain her/his goals. Communities of practice used to describe a group of people who share similar approaches to something particular, such as youth livelihood, micro finance, health care, urban agriculture or facilitation of developmental processes. In the formal sector, communities of practice are often able to share their knowledge at conferences, workshops or retreats. Members of communities of practice have a common interest and a desire to learn from and contribute to the community with their variety of experiences. Entrepreneurshipis the process of doing something new and something different for the purpose of creating wealth for the individual and adding value to the society. It is a creative and innovative response to the environment where such response can take place in any field of social endeavor-business, industry, agriculture, education, social work, and the like. Entrepreneurship is a quality to perceive opportunities, organize resources, create facilities, and set up and run a business successfully. Experiential learningis the process of making meaning from direct experience. Simply put, experiential learning is learning from experience. The experience can be staged or left open. International Advisory GroupStreet Kids International Partners Advisory Group. Income Generation Activity (IGA) is small business promotion schemes, cooperative shops, job-creation schemes and training programs while others define income generation interventions as development interventions that intervene in the economic aspect of people's lives using economic tools. Such tools are usually small-scale creating at the level of the community or individual business or cooperative, and may include such things as the provision of capital through grants or loans; savings and credit schemes and also training or advice in skills or business management. Learning communitya group of people, communities, and organizations share their experiences with others. Market driven approachis an approach focusing on financial viability and profit for youth. Master Trainers are local groups of trainers who involve in strengthening the capacity of local NGOs in the implementation of successful and effective learning opportunities for youth. Micro enterprisea firm employing no more than 5-10 workers, including the owner and family. Micro enterprises engage in non corporate income generation and use les than USD 10,000 equivalent of the total capitals, starting capital is often less than USD 1000. Sometimes micro enterprises involve less people in business with informal characteristics and within lower limit of one person business. The informal characteristics of micro enterprise entail easy entry, heavy
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reliance on indigenous resources, family ownership, and soundness in its operation, labour intensity, technological adoption, and unregulated and competitive behavior. Micro finance institution (MFI) provides financial service for urban and rural poor to run their businesses. MFIs in Ethiopia could be divided into two groups; mainly those targeting specific regions and supported or owned by the regional governments and those initiated by NGOs. Ethiopian MFIs are obviously contributing toward poverty reduction, food security enhancement and private sector development.2 Peera person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person. Peer pressure is a powerful feeling of pressure from persons of similar age to make decisions and choices in favor of the expectations of the peers in order to remain in and be accepted by the peers. There are both positive and negative peer pressures among young boys and girls. Street Banking Toolkitgives an emphasis on the importance of savings and investment. Following the successful completion of the Street Business Toolkit, youth can participate in the Street Banking Toolkit. Street Business Mentorshipis a complement to the Street Business and Banking Toolkits. It is a program shared through a 4 day TOT in order to enable youth workers to set up a Street Business Mentorship program and train business mentors at their organizations. Mentors are people identified to provide guidance and support; they can be recognized experts, elders, community members, a neighbor, or others who offer understanding in an objective manner. Business mentorship refers to guidance provided specifically to young entrepreneurs, advising them through problems and obstacles that arise in their businesses. Street Business Toolkita set of resources for conducting a course with youth about starting or improving a small business. During the course, youth participants learn about basic business concepts. They identify business ideas and assess their feasibility. At the end of the source, participants have their own business plans for feasible business ideas. In this context business is used to represent small scale income generating activities as simple as shoe shining or fruit selling. YouthThe period between childhood and adult age, it is an early stage in the development. In different countries the age limit for young person varies. According to the Ethiopian Youth Policy (2004) the range of age for youth is between 14-29 years. Youth Livelihood Project/ProgramA project/program focusing on the means of securing the necessities of life for young boys and girls. Youth Serving OrganizationsOrganizations providing diverse services (reproductive health, livelihoods and related) to young boys and girls.

For details see AEMFI (2004). xix

Annex 6 References AEMFI (2000), Networking Microfinance Activities in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects, Occasional Paper No. 1. AEMFI (2000), Review of Microfinance Industry in Ethiopia: Regulatory Framework and Performance. Occasional Paper No. 2. AEMFI (2003), Governance and Ownership Structure of Microfinance Institutions in Ethiopia, Occasional Paper No. 8. Brinton, B. (2005), Praxis Paper 3: Organizational Learning in NGOs: Creating the Motive, Means, and Opportunity. INTRAC. UK. Central Statistical Authority (2007), National Population and Housing Census, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Covey S. (2006), The 8th Habit From Effectiveness to Greatness, Simon and Schuster Publishers. EDA (2011), Youth Initiative Project. Bi-Annual Year Three Report. EDA (2011), Youth Venture Initiative Project, Success Stories (2009-2011). EDA (2010), End of Year Two Report. EDA (2010), Qualitative Data Summary. EDA (2006), VSF Application Form. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (2004), National Youth Policy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (2006), Ethiopian Youth Development Program. Guarcello L. and Rosati F. (2007), Child Labor and Youth Employment: Ethiopia Country Study Kebede Bekere (2011), The Art of Resisting Peer Pressure. The Population Council, Inc. (2010), Ethiopia Young Adult Survey A Study in Seven Regions. Wolday Amha, Chipande, and Andualem Tegengne (1997), Proceeding of the Sixth Annual Conference on the Ethiopian Economy, Small Scale Enterprise Development in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Economic Association and Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youth and Sport Commission (2007), Youth Program for Addis Ababa City Administration for 2007-2011.

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