The successful pilot scheme achieved some fantastic results, responding to a list of initial aims.

The blacksmiths were to benefit by:

• increased skills, both technical and business
• increased income
• increased size of groups
• the establishment of links among artisans groups and other groups such as farmers’ units
• the provision of a rolling fund for the purchase of scrap

• improved workspaces.

  The pilot proved to be very successful with the following results reported:
  In general the blacksmiths learned workshop management, business and marketing skills. New products included: coal pots, wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, axes, pick axes, watering cans, buckets, boxes for clothes and domestic items.

  The increased income of the groups ranged from 30 000L to 120 000L. Some reported reasons for this were: better quality of products attracting more customers; better quality of products attracting higher prices; a bigger market facilitated by CCSL

  All groups attracted new members. This increase ranged from 11 to 19. Unfortunately no reasons were given. It could be that existing groups amalgamated in order to access the better market provided by CCSL.

  Links were made with the relief and rehabilitation arm of CCSL, Plan International and local NGOs. The blacksmiths also began to make links among themselves e.g. Rimdin and Tamaraneh groups cooperate in buying scrap.