In 2023, BRAC Afghanistan, under the UNDP ABADEI 2.0 Program, partnered with Shatoot Consultants to design and deliver an initiative that would bridge the knowledge gap for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Women-led Enterprises (WLEs) among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Returnee communities in Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, and Paktika.
The assignment, “Capacity Need Assessment and Value Chain Assessment for MSME and WLE Participants,” combined in-depth research, practical training, and value chain mapping to empower 300 business owners (100 males and 200 females) with the knowledge and tools needed to grow their enterprises sustainably.
Through its rigorous assessment and tailored capacity-building interventions, Shatoot Consultants delivered measurable outcomes in just six weeks:
- 300 business owners (including 200 women) assessed and trained across four provinces.
- Comprehensive 64-page assessment report on business needs, value chains, and market linkages delivered within three weeks of project start.
- 48 educational video modules produced in Pashto for women unable to attend in-person sessions due to local restrictions.
- 95% of participants demonstrated improved business understanding based on trainer feedback and post-test evaluations.
- Pre-test average score: 3.9 → Post-test average score: 6.8, reflecting a 74% increase in knowledge.
- Three major value chains mapped and analyzed: Dairy, Poultry, and Handicrafts/Fiber.
The initiative provided hundreds of entrepreneurs, many of them displaced or returning after years of instability, with the knowledge to manage finances, market products, and strengthen production systems. It also gave women business leaders new tools to navigate restrictive environments and continue learning through digital media.
