Partners: theSOFTtribe; Mastercard Foundation
Period: 2024 – 2025
Country of operation: Ghana
Category: Youth Welfare; Agriculture; GESI; Employment; Education & Literacy
Project Snapshot:
The AgriConnect initiative is a US$14.7 million proof-of-concept partnership between theSOFTtribe and Mastercard Foundation aimed at empowering youth, particularly young women and persons with disabilities, by enhancing their participation in the agriculture sector through skills building to prepare for work through digital learning and access to technology.
Project Objectives
The review aimed to assess:
- The design and implementation of the program
- Its effectiveness in meeting intended objectives
- The potential for scale-up and sustainability
- The organisational capabilities of theSOFTtribe Limited
- The cost-effectiveness of the program
- Key challenges and opportunities to enhance long-term impact
PDA’s Task:
PDA conducted a strategic review of the proof of concept of the program.
How We Went About It:
- Strategic Review Approach and Design: PDA adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods from both primary and secondary sources to generate a comprehensive understanding of the AgriConnect programme. Systematic random sampling was employed for quantitative data collection, while purposive sampling guided the qualitative component to capture diverse perspectives. The review focused on participants’ learning experiences, skills acquisition, and the applicability of those skills to the labour market and SME sub-sector.
- Data Collection and Analysis Process:
- Recruitment and Training of Enumerators: PDA recruited local enumerators and provided them with comprehensive training to ensure data was collected accurately, ethically, and sensitively.
- Field Data Collection and Transcription: Enumerators engaged with stakeholders across the project sites, conducting interviews and discussions. All collected data was subsequently transcribed for analysis. A total of 1871 respondents participated for quantitative data through in-person and online surveys. Key Informant Interviews were held with key stakeholders across the program, and 15 Focus Group Discussions were conducted.
- Quality Assurance: PDA implemented a quality assurance process to verify all transcripts, ensuring data reliability and accuracy before proceeding with analysis.
- Reporting and Presentation: The final review report synthesized findings into actionable recommendations for the programme. A high-level presentation of key insights and outcomes was also delivered to project partners.
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Assessment: A strong GESI lens was applied throughout the review. PDA conducted a GESI assessment and a PwD inclusion assessment, focusing on the deployment and use of assistive technologies in the agriculture curriculum. This helped evaluate how effectively the programme ensured gender responsiveness and accessibility for persons with disabilities across design, implementation, and learning outcomes.