KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- New evidence from two randomised controlled trials has found that a livelihood programme combining entrepreneurship support and market access helped reduce extreme poverty among refugees and host communities in Uganda and Ethiopia.
The studies, conducted by independent evaluator IDinsight, assessed the Delivering Resilient Enterprises and Market Systems (DREAMS) programme implemented by Village Enterprise and Mercy Corps.
Researchers found participating households increased monthly consumption by 17 per cent in Uganda and nine per cent in Ethiopia compared with control groups, while savings more than doubled in both countries. Household assets also rose by 20 per cent to 24 per cent.
The programme reached more than 22,000 households across refugee settlements in Uganda's West Nile region and Ethiopia's Dollo Ado area, according to Village Enterprise in a statement.
DREAMS combines Village Enterprise's poverty graduation model, which provides business training, seed capital and mentoring, with Mercy Corps' market systems development approach that links participants to private-sector opportunities.
The organisations said the findings demonstrate a scalable and cost-effective model at a time when humanitarian funding is under pressure. Participants reported improved access to food, education and income-generating opportunities, while gains in household assets included livestock, agricultural equipment, housing improvements and solar panels.
The programme has secured additional funding for its next phase, including US$7.4 million from the IKEA Foundation in Ethiopia and US$3.5 million from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Uganda. (US$1=RM4.06)
According to the evaluation, the programme is projected to generate benefits worth roughly twice its costs through higher household consumption and asset accumulation if the effects are sustained over five years.
Village Enterprise is a non-profit organisation focused on poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship, while Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian and development agency that works in areas including economic development, resilience and market systems strengthening.
Researchers found participating households increased monthly consumption by 17 per cent in Uganda and nine per cent in Ethiopia compared with control groups, while savings more than doubled in both countries. Household assets also rose by 20 per cent to 24 per cent.
The programme reached more than 22,000 households across refugee settlements in Uganda's West Nile region and Ethiopia's Dollo Ado area, according to Village Enterprise in a statement.
DREAMS combines Village Enterprise's poverty graduation model, which provides business training, seed capital and mentoring, with Mercy Corps' market systems development approach that links participants to private-sector opportunities.
The organisations said the findings demonstrate a scalable and cost-effective model at a time when humanitarian funding is under pressure. Participants reported improved access to food, education and income-generating opportunities, while gains in household assets included livestock, agricultural equipment, housing improvements and solar panels.
The programme has secured additional funding for its next phase, including US$7.4 million from the IKEA Foundation in Ethiopia and US$3.5 million from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Uganda. (US$1=RM4.06)
According to the evaluation, the programme is projected to generate benefits worth roughly twice its costs through higher household consumption and asset accumulation if the effects are sustained over five years.
Village Enterprise is a non-profit organisation focused on poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship, while Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian and development agency that works in areas including economic development, resilience and market systems strengthening.