AN EVALUATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND ITS IMPLICATION ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT AMONG TONGA SPEAKING PEOPLE IN BINGA DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE.

This paper evaluated the entrepreneurial skills development project and established its implication on the sustainable livelihoods among the Tonga people. The multi method approach was used where information was gathered through literature desk review and field assessments. Published and unpublished Ntengwe projects reports and newsletters were reviewed. A total of 18 enterprise groups were met for focus group discussions in 5 wards namely Lubanda, Muchesu, Siachilaba, Saba and Manjolo. Two face to face meetings with Ntengwe Project team were conducted to obtain in depth information about the project under study. Key informant interviews were conducted with the Ministries responsible for Small to Medium Enterprises Youth and Gender Affairs. The study found out that the entrepreneurs are getting technical and material support from the consortium and they were assisted to form enterprise groups which specialize in different areas such as carpentry, welding and building. The study noted that enterprise groups have limited access to bank loans and other credit facilities. The synergy between enterprise group and community leadership together with the government is limited which further compromise their growth. A case study to highlight how this project has impacted into the lives of the Tonga people was captured. Basing on these findings the following key recommendations were made; Ntengwe for Community Development and Silveira House consortium should continue with ILESEA project in which the second phase should focus on equipping enterprise groups with further skills and the consortium should change their strategy on allocating trades to beneficiaries where they are allowed to choose trades of their own choice to enhance sustainability of the project.