Agromart Outreach Foundation : mid-term evaluation -- final report

Agromart was created by the Sri Lankan Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) in 1988 and received NGO status in 1989. The USAID grant runs from 4/90 to 5/93. Agromart's Entrepreneurship Development Training Program has exceeded expectations. The program provides 2 days of training every month for some 125 competitively selected participants, covering both business and technical skills. As of the end of 1991, a total of 2,378 persons had participated -- nearly double the goal set in the grant agreement. Each trainee receives follow-on support. Agromart staff have responded indefatigably to problems and felt needs by seeking solutions for new ideas. USAID has also funded a pilot entrepreneur training program in the Southern Province, and AGROMART is now seeking USAID funding for expansion of this activity. The Agromart Foundation is directed by an active and responsible Board, headed by a chairwoman and managed by a dedicated staff of 12. The Foundation grew out of trade fairs which were first sponsored by WCIC in 1985 and are now an annual event. Initially subsidized, the fairs now turn a profit. Agromart also operates several activities funded by other donors, including an economic literacy training program; a "training for everyone" program to motivate (particularly) women to undertake self-employment projects; a seminar series on environmental hazards in the rural sector; a "liberal access to markets" program, which encourages a street vending approach to agricultural marketing; and a crafts skills development program. CIDA, SIDA, NORAD, and the Marie- Schlei Foundation are among the sponsoring donors. The Foundation is endeavoring to become self-sufficient in each activity it undertakes. There is no question that Agromart has had a powerful influence on people. Participants feel that Agromart provides an essential service in skill-building and linking farmers to markets, and their confidence in Agromart and loyalty are clear. It is also clear that Agromart builds self-esteem and fosters community linkages. Economic benefits have been demonstrated as well. Agromart should be supported to the fullest extent, and even encouraged to undertake new challenges. Lessons learned include the following. (1) Sri Lankan women tend to be well educated and when given the opportunity and technical skills, they can overcome cultural barriers and become entrepreneurs. (2) In a program targeting women, it is important to include men. Once they perceive that their spouses can be powerful income earners, men are happy to share in the work. (3) Small entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka lack access to credit and must generate their own capital. (4) Entrepreneur development programs should concentrate on marketing. Agromart's insistence on identifying a market before producing a product has proven quite successful. (5) Entrepreneur development cannot be done in a vacuum; many other aspects of community development, such as health care, language training, and environmental awareness, are also needed. (6) The impact of an NGO can be sustainable if follow-on institutions are created. (7) NGO's, to be effective, rely a great deal on dedication and a commitment to the voluntary spirit. As a result, there is danger of dependency on charismatic leadership. The evaluation includes recommendations for USAID to increase funding and for Agromart to proceed cautiously with its expansion plans.