The evaluation of the COD 1175-22 project was carried out as part of a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. Data was collected through surveys with a sample of 241 participants, 18 individual interviews with key informants (MEAL Agent, Program, Finance, coaches, trainers and Youth Group Manager), and 3 group discussions, making it possible to capture both the numerical results and the perceptions of the actors.
The results of the evaluation showed that the project responded to a critical need in a context marked by high unemployment, underemployment and the impacts of armed conflicts, particularly following the capture of Goma by the AFC-M23 groups. 95% of participants believe that the project is relevant to their context, emphasizing that the activities allowed them to structure their initiatives and acquire entrepreneurship skills. The participants particularly appreciated the combination of practical and theoretical training, the support in terms of financial resources which was crucial for the creation and development of activities, the support via incubators, the personalized coaching, although the cost and access to incubators limited participation for some.
Here are the key results that emerged
- Training and skills acquisition: 98% of participants followed the training on theoretical and practical themes (marketing, business plan creation, leadership, agri-food processing, marketing), also 94% of key informants recognize that the modular educational programs have improved the skills of coaches and trainers, contributing to effective supervision of young people. Thanks to this training program, 93% of participants were able to develop a business plan and 77% of them implemented it, promoting the autonomy and profitability of their activities.
- Business creation and development: 94% of participants were able to create or develop joint businesses in the agri-food sector respectively in the production sectors of chips, mushrooms, juice production as well as animal processing and sausage production, with a group work approach adopted to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit and respond to local unemployment which allowed 73% of participants an increase in their income, going from $81 to $112 per month, with 83% including 56% women among those having achieved an increase of more than 30%.
- Access to financing and sustainability: 91% of participants benefited from funding with an average amount of $3,540, considered partially or totally sufficient by 79% of participants. Sustainability options include self-financing via VSLAs, diversification of activities and ongoing support via incubators and post-project coaching.
- Networking and partnerships: 95% of participants took part in networking activities, with an average of 8 activities per participant out of 52 events organized including forums, conferences and experience sharing. The exchanges allowed the creation of links, the sharing of experiences, and access to new clients and opportunities. 94% of participants consider these interactions very useful for the growth of their businesses.
- Organizational strengthening: The partner organizations (Don Bosco and Umoja In Action) have improved their capacities, with a score of 80 points out of 70 during the last participatory evaluation. Training and exchanges with WHH have made it possible to improve administrative, financial and logistical practices, consolidating their role as a reference in agribusiness for young people.
