The Ghana SPJ Team is working on a study to examine the impact of a multi-component productive inclusion intervention on poor, social safety net program beneficiaries in Ghana. The treatment comprises of the provision of micro-enterprise skills training, start-up lump sum cash grants, mentoring and coaching, linkages to market opportunities, and financial inclusion activities. In line with the Graduation Approach, the program seeks to durably lift beneficiaries out of extreme poverty.
The evaluation will be based on a randomized phase-in design, with randomization into phases performed at the community level. Impact will be evaluated by comparing outcomes at baseline and at follow-up and between treated and untreated communities. Treatment is expected to be staggered by at least one year. The timeline below summarizes key program and evaluation steps through 2021 and 2022.