This report summarizes the results of a field test of the Market Assessment Toolkit for Vocational Training Providers and Youth, which aims to assist vocational training programs in becoming more market-driven. The report summarizes the main findings of the field test in Northern Uganda in terms of the toolkit’s utility, as well as providing more specific recommendations for vocational training providers based on findings from the market assessment.

The report notes that the toolkit is successful in enabling vocational training providers to analyze local market conditions, identifying potential collaborations with the private sector, and creating flexibility for use throughout all phases of training efforts. Key recommendations include that the toolkit be improved to better identify new skills for income generation, and that it be supplemented with an abridged version for programs with time or resource constraints.

This case study is part of the Microfinance, Youth and Conflict research initiative. Research was conducted in central Uganda in March 2005, with the primary objective to learn from both the supply and demand side participants about the challenges and opportunities in serving youth with microfinance. The secondary objective was to pilot test and further develop qualitative tools, as research methods and tools that effectively address both youth and microfinance have not been well-developed, rigorously tested or documented.

The Microfinance, Youth and Conflict research initiative was designed to respond to a common need among a wide range of USAID Missions and partner organizations: to better understand the appropriate use of microfinance-driven programming (including savings, credit, and business development services) for youth populations in post-conflict environments.

This study evaluated an economic empowerment intervention to reduce HIV risks among orphaned children in Uganda. Children (n=97) were randomly assigned to receive an economic intervention or to a control arm. Data obtained at baseline and 12-month follow-up revealed differences on HIV prevention attitudes, educational plans, and child-caregiver relationship for intervention arm children relative to control children. Findings lend support to use of economic empowerment interventions for HIV risk reduction among orphaned children.

Building on the organisation of CARE development projects, the chapters in these guidelines are arranged in a series that moves from planning to implementation, analysis and application. Readers with relatively little experience in planning, research or information management may find it most useful to read the chapters one after another as they are arranged. More experienced readers are also encouraged to skim all the chapters to understand the linkages to any specific topics they are pursuing in more depth.

This study tested an economic intervention to reduce HIV risks among AIDS-orphaned adolescents. Adolescents (n=96) were randomly assigned to receive the intervention or usual care for orphans in Uganda. Data obtained at baseline and 12-month follow-up revealed significant differences between the treatment and control groups in HIV prevention attitudes and educational planning.

The report: presents an analysis of vocational training (VT) programming and the actors involved in northern Uganda; offers VT providers concrete recommendations for programming at each stage in the VT cycle, including best practices and lessons learned; and guides VT programs and youth participants through a market-assessment and self-assessment to integrate market information into program design and create links between VT and the private sector.

Livelihoods programming is gaining increasing attention in Northern Uganda as the region transitions from an emergency situation to an early recovery environment. For many youth, vocational training is at the crossroads of livelihoods support, economic recovery, education, and rehabilitation and reintegration. Our report (forthcoming May 2008) will aim to provide program planners with relevant tools and concrete recommendations for incorporating economic planning into vocational training through thoughtful engagement of youth in decision-making about vocational training, market analysis, pre- and post-training market linkages and integration with the private sector.