Successful training of trainers on the ILO TREE methodology in Côte d’Ivoire

Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, April 27, 2024 — As part of the ACCEL Africa initiative, an intensive training workshop on the TREE methodology (Training for Rural Economic Empowerment) was held from April 22 to 27, 2024, in Yamoussoukro. This event marks a crucial step in the fight against child labour in agricultural supply chains and the strengthening of the rural economy in Côte d'Ivoire.

Over the course of a week, twenty trainers from regional and local structures were intensively prepared by the ILO with support from a TREE consultant-trainer. The sessions covered several critical aspects such as the identification of economic opportunities, institutional planning, and post-training support, essential for carrying out TREE missions in the region.

The workshop highlighted the need to improve the skills and tools available to local actors to encourage the development of micro and small enterprises, thereby fostering the creation of decent jobs. Through theoretical and practical modules, participants were able to acquire the necessary skills to mobilize local communities in viable economic initiatives.

The training culminated with remarkable results, essential for the capacity building of the involved trainers. Participants demonstrated a deep understanding of the methodology, specifically, participants were able to:

• Identify local economic opportunities necessary to support rural communities and create sustainable jobs.
• Assess the training needs of communities to ensure appropriate and sustained economic development.
• Plan and execute training programs that are directly related to the needs and capacities of the local populations.
• Support post-training implementation by monitoring and facilitating access to necessary resources for the success of entrepreneurial initiatives.

The success of this training initiates several future actions to consolidate the achievements and extend the impact of the TREE methodology in Côte d'Ivoire:

• The action plans developed during the training will be reviewed and validated by the coordination of ACCEL Africa.
• Once approved, these plans will be implemented on the ground, with continuous monitoring to ensure their effectiveness and adaptation to the evolving needs of the communities.
• A continuous training program is planned to ensure that trainers remain up-to-date with the latest practices in the field of rural economic development.
• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be established to measure the impact of the training and projects initiated through the TREE methodology.
• Strengthened partnerships with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors will support and finance the implementation of the TREE methodology in other regions of Côte d'Ivoire.

These steps are designed to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the TREE program, to continue effectively combating child labour and promoting the economic autonomy of rural communities in Côte d'Ivoire. This initiative is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and is part of a broader effort by the Ivorian government and its partners to eradicate child labour, particularly in rural areas where the economy is primarily agricultural.