81307 enGender Impact: The World Bank’s Gender Impact Evaluation Database Economic Impacts of Professional Training in the Informal Sector: The Case of the Labor Force Training Program in Cote d'Ivoire Author(s) Dorte Verner and Mette Verner Contact dverner@worldbank.org Country Ivory Coast Organizing Theme Economic Opportunities and Access to Assets, Education and Skills Status Completed Intervention Category Vocational Training Sector Education This paper addresses the economic impact of the labor force training program (PAFPA) developed for the informal sector in Côte d’Ivoire. The data contain a subsample of the participants in the agricultural sector, tailoring sector, and the electronics sector and a comparable control group of nonparticipants. The data have been analyzed by use of Abstract standard program evaluation tools, namely difference-in-difference estimators, in order to detect potential program impacts. We find positive economic impacts as a result of training received for some groups, namely women, the agricultural and electronics sectors, firms employing 1-3 individuals and firms with 10 or more employees. Gender Connection Gender Informed Analysis Gender Outcomes Gender disaggregated productivity IE Design Difference in Difference Project d'Appui à la Formation de la Population (PAFPA) was a labor force training project in Côte d'Ivoire. Its objectives were to increase labor force productivity and mobility through technical and basic skills training with special emphasis on small informal sector businesses (agriculture, electronics and tailoring) and women's enterprises. The program Intervention targeted workers with training course in business and entrepreneurship with a emphasis on training of female entrepreneurs. In addition, the program also included a component to support the transition from school to work for school-leavers and graduates through pairing with mentors. Intervention Period The program started in 1994. This study focuses on participants who started in 1999 The sample consists of 548 individuals where 227 have participated in the program and 321 Sample population served as the control group. Comparison conditions The control group did not receive training Unit of analysis Individual/Business Level Evaluation Period 1999 Last updated: 14 August 2013 1 enGender Impact: The World Bank’s Gender Impact Evaluation Database Overall, the program does not have a significant positive impact on revenue. There are positive economic impacts as a result of training received for some groups, namely women, Results the agricultural and electronics sectors, firms employing 1-3 individuals and firms with 10 or more employees. Primary study limitations The study does not discuss limitations Funding Source Verner, D., & Verner, M. (2005). Economic impacts of professional training in the Reference(s) informal sector: the case of the labor force training program in Cote d'Ivoire. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper, (3668). Link to Studies http://www1.worldbank.org/prem/poverty/ie/dime_papers/557.pdf Microdata Last updated: 14 August 2013 2