CGAP–Ford Foundation Ethiopia Graduation Pilot
Ethiopia

Name of project: CGAP–Ford Foundation Ethiopia Graduation Pilot
Project implementer: Relief Society of Tigray (REST)
Project partners: Dedebit Credit & Savings Institute (DECSI), USAID, the Italian Development Cooperation, and the European Commission
Location: Tigray
Start date: 2010
No. of clients reached: Plan to reach 500 households
Research: Impact assessment by Innovations for Poverty Action; qualitative research by Brac Development Institute
Consumption support: 15kg of wheat/month through PSNSP, the government’s food for work program
Livelihoods: Sheep, goats, vegetables, and beekeeping
Financial service: Individual savings accounts at DECSI
Additional services: Access to REST’s water security, health, and education programs

The CGAP–Ford Foundation Ethiopia Graduation Pilot is the first pilot in Africa, and the first food-based safety net pilot. The project is taking place in Wukro Woreda, a district in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. The pilot is expected to reach roughly 500 beneficiaries.

REST is currently implementing the government of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program in Tigray. They are already partnering with DECSI, a microfinance institution operating in the region. Innovations for Poverty Action is conducting the impact assessment of this pilot.

Project status
A market analysis was conducted to guide the design of the different livelihood strategies. The pilot will promote activities such as livestock (sheep and goats), vegetable growing, and possibly beekeeping. Participants will also have the option to select a livelihood activity of their choice based on their previous experience and desires.

A workshop was held in February 2009, where partners discussed key roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the pilot.