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Support the reintegration of returnees in Ethiopia - Final Independent Evaluation

eval_number:

2436

eval_title:

Support the reintegration of returnees in Ethiopia - Final Independent Evaluation

location:

region:

Africa

country:

Ethiopia

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eval_url:

https://analyticstest.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/eval/2436

lessons_learned:

description:

The economic empowerment of returnees (and vulnerable groups in general) requires a more comprehensive approach and a longer cycle of intervention.

context:

The provision of basic training and a small loan under market conditions is deemed to be insufficient to have a real impact on the livelihoods of many of the returnees assisted. Generating economic opportunities requires more time and more support along the process.

success:

It seems important to link the project actions with other existing programs in the area of micro-finances, SME support, agriculture extension, etc. This practice might open new alternatives for the continuation of the assistance to the beneficiaries.

challenges:

Returnees usually represent a very vulnerable group: low skill workers with high psycho-social needs. Resources are scarce and the business environment, especially in rural communities, offers limited possibilities. Besides, the matching between expectations and real possibilities is also a difficult process and sometimes requires even a negotiation. Even conducting a “labour market assessment” is not enough to break through this challenging economic environment. Under these circumstances, some stakeholders argue that it is an overoptimistic assumption to expect that low skilled workers are going to thrive after receiving some motivational and skills training followed by the provision of a small loan. Project designers should search for more robust proposals, but these conditions are difficult to get under the lifespan of a project

administrative_issues:

ILO officers while working on the project design could look for the different options to establish the links mentioned in the point above.

comments:

Programme managers and final beneficiaries.

url:

https://analyticstest.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/lessons/202114

themes:

theme:

Vulnerable groups

category:

Conditions of work & equality

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