Evaluation of Microenterprise Interventions in Care and Support Programs of NGOs: The case of Mekdim Ethiopia National Association Addis Ababa Program

Abstract

The study set out to assess the effectiveness of MENA CSSG and business skill development interventions in bringing about change in the entrepreneurial skill, change in the income, saving, microenterprise profitability and household decision making power of the beneficiaries. To achieve the set objectives, the study used a sample of 70 CSSG members, 8 people from the program and local administrative bodies. Data collected by use of questionnaire instrument and interviews, observation and focus group discussions. The quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) while thematic analysis was used in the qualitative data analysis. The study established that intervention was effective in increasing the entrepreneurial skill of the beneficiaries, access to loan, household decision making power, engagement in ME (creating alternative source of income) and expansion of existing MEs, and saving. On the other hand, the effect of the intervention on ME management in terms of record keeping, profitability and capital was found to be absent. In light of the findings, it would be good if the targeting considers the relative vulnerability of the households and the capital injection done in an incremental manner, and the use of loanable for is emphasized so as to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.