Project Background

Assisting artisans access tools through TFSR/UK has been one of ARD’s commitments in alleviating poverty and improving standards over the past years. This was intensified when the Tools After Conflict Project was designed to increase the local production of goods and services and to provide training and employment for young people. Through this project most artisans that lost their tools during the conflict have been able to benefit thus offering affordable services to their communities.

Status on the Groups

All the groups that received support are making use of their tools. A total of 87 tool kits have so far been distributed.
Improvement in the security situation enabled access to groups in the North. All groups in Makeni (Bombali) received their tools and are making use of them.

Most women groups were found diversifying their activities such as soap making, catering and gara/tie dyeing.
Training programmes continued in various groups in which youths are benefiting immensely.

Achievements to Date

Improvement in the security situation enabled members to relocate in their communities and commenced work.
The rate of interaction between ARD and groups increased.
Beneficiaries could produce better products and new designs especially in carpentry.
Expansion of trades was evident in most groups.
All groups reported of a guaranteed daily sustenance through tool kit support.
Tools enabled some artisan groups in Makeni to start trade and their livelihood again. They are currently surviving through the use of tools.
All artisan groups in Makeni are currently training ex-combatants.
ARD conducted an apprenticeship workshop for 363 ex-combatants in Makeni (Bombali District) in which all ARD/TFSR supported groups were present and are assisting in the reintegration of ex-combatants into the society.
Groups were able to accommodate more trainees.
The communities have also benefited through access to cheaper products.
Some groups especially in the Western Area continued with literacy classes for trainees.
The tools have contributed in maintaining peace and fostering reconciliation in some of the communities.

Problems and Constraints

The following are the common problems encountered during the period.
Profit is very marginal in some of the groups. Communities want and have need for the products but the cash is not so available to pay high prices to accrue more profit.
Some apprentices do not have kits to start business on their own.
Cost of transportation charge for tools to project location seems high for most groups.
Some groups are too big to use the available tools.
Funds for artisans to buy raw materials was a major problem identified during the period.
More women have applied to work with ARD in the areas of catering and hairdressing but no kits are available at the moment.
Mobility was a major problem for ARD to monitor the groups. Monitoring over 100 groups (including new groups) with limited transport facilities has proved to be very difficult.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The programme has contributed personally, locally and nationally.
Most of the groups have increased in number and in strength.
Production has increased with reasonable prices to getting a living, thus servicing their communities. In short, capacity of the groups has been strengthened especially for groups in recently liberated zones. Sustainability of the programme is thus certain.
It is therefore recommended that the programme continues so that more under privileged communities could benefit. The following are therefore recommended:
Additional material support be given for other sectors such as catering, hairdressing computer training and designing machines so that more women will benefit.
Support through micro credit or revolving loan.
Small grants will also be helpful.
Training programmes should continue.
Start-up kits or end of apprenticeship training assistance to be provided.
Combination of tools and financial support for ARD and TFSR groups.
Provision of transportation for better monitoring and planning especially for groups in the provinces. This will also promote marketing of artisan products.
Giving seed money side by side with tools to enhance expansion and higher standards of living.