- Published by
- Agora Global
- Project implementer
- SNV, Mercy Corps, Techno Serve, Save the Children Int.
- Donor
- Sida / Netherlands
- Programme
- Livelihoods Improvement for Women and Youth (LIWAY)
- Results level
- Poverty reduction
- Method
- Case study
- Data source
- Mixed
- Intervention types
- Improved access to finance
- Improved input supply
Livelihoods Improvement for Women and Youth programme in Ethiopia (LIWAY) applies a market systems approach that involves identifying the root causes of market failure that disadvantage or exclude poor women and youth from wage and self-employment opportunities, identifying private companies and public institutions with the incentive and ability to deliver change.
This report explores how the programme collaborates with various public and private stakeholders to address structural barriers and improve incomes by creating more job opportunities and supporting self-employment.
It provides case studies and insights into the complexities of implementing such a programme in an urban setting, aiming to serve as a learning tool for other development initiatives and stakeholders.
Intervention description
Specific interventions included enhancing the labour market, supporting micro and small enterprises (MSEs), promoting growth sectors and improving the skills system.
The programme collaborated with various stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector actors and civil society organisations. For example, LIWAY facilitated the development of a national labour market information system (LMIS) to improve job matching and labour market efficiency. The programme also supported the establishment of business development services (BDS) and access to finance for MSEs. These interventions resulted in the creation of 63,000 jobs and an average income increase of 30 per cent for beneficiaries.
Evidence methodology
The case study employs process tracing to estimate the contribution of LIWAY to labour market changes. This involved reviewing programme documents and conducting key informant interviews with current and former programme and government staff, as well as broader market actors. The interviews aimed to establish and triangulate evidence for LIWAY's contribution, assessing the changes, the role of LIWAY and the necessity of its support.