Project Number: TA 7563

June 2015

TAJ: Project Final report

Awareness-Raising and Training (especially of women)

in support of the Access to Green Finance Project

Technical Assistance Consultant’s Report

Prepared by:

Habitat for Humanity - Tajikistan

For

ADB RETA 7563: Promoting Gender Inclusive Growth in CWRD DMCs (44067-012)

This consultant’s report does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB or the Government concerned, and ADB and

the Government cannot be held liable for its contents.

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Executive Summary

Under the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) 7565, this initiative

was funded as a pilot project in support of ADB’s loan operations. The objective of “Awareness-Raising

and Training (especially of women) in support of the Access to Green Finance Project” was to increase

awareness and interest in green energy solutions among buyers and lenders, especially women. A range

of interrelated project activities was carried out in 7 districts covering 3 major provinces of the country,

among them: a needs assessment research, varied types of trainings at the community and institutional

levels, and awareness raising seminars. These were project’s outputs:

1000 individuals (700 were women), participated in awareness raising seminars and meetings. 40 women-leaders of community based organizations (CBOs) from 7 target districts were

trained through ToT (Training of Trainors) “Improving Your Home: Building Energy Efficient Future”.

21 trainers of partner Financial Institutions were trained through TOTs on “Improving Your Home: Building Energy Efficient Future”.

70 loan officers trained on green energy and energy efficiency integrated CTA and equipped to deliver green loans

Capacity of 15 HFHT CTA engineers who work at partner FIs affiliates have been improved through ToT “Improving Your Home: Building Energy Efficient Future”.

1200 schoolchildren including 600 girls are trained and informed of solar stoves/cookers use, maintenance and production.

A customized guide (booklet) “Energy efficiency and alternative energy sources” developed and 2,500 copies distributed to inform recipient on types and advantages of energy efficient and green energy facilities/technologies.

A baseline data on general level of awareness and knowledge of energy issues, green energy and efficiency measures generated for future reference.

At post-project, these results were recorded:

Out of the 40 trainers 12 started training others and approximately 250 more women in rural communities benefited so far. Being equipped with knowledge, skills and necessary materials women CBOs continued delivery of trainings in their own communities outside the project funding.

Project partner MFIs preparing for their participation in the upcoming Access to Green Finance Project continued capacity building activities. MDO IMON, in collaboration with HFHT CTA engineers delivered a series of trainings to loan officers to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to deliver green loans. More than 140 loan officers were trained.

Two leading financial institutions in Tajikistan, IMON International and MDO Arvand, were empowered to launch green finance products even without ADB support. Within a period of a month following this project, more than 4500 loans were disbursed. It should be noted that almost 1700 loans or 40% of these loan borrowers were women. According to MDO IMON such enormous uptake is an indication of the heightened awareness and strong need for green finance products.

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PROJECT FINAL REPORT

1. The Project and its Targets

The main goal of the pilot project was to increase awareness, use, and benefits of green energy solutions

among potential buyers and lenders, especially women. This was to be accomplished by raising awareness

on green energy solutions and energy efficiency, particularly among rural households (demand) and

building capacity of selected MFIs (supply) to promote and deliver green finance and energy efficiency

technologies to communities. The detailed project description, objectives and activities are given in DMF

which is integral part of the original full proposal.

The project addressed seven large districts, namely: Istaravshan, J.Rasulov, Spitamen, and Asht of Sugd

region in the north and Kurgantube, Kumsangir and Panj districts of Khatlon region in the south-west of the

country.

During the project lifespan a total of more than 6000 people participated in the various project activities,

such as a needs assessment, varied types of trainings and awareness raising seminars.

Project duration:

The project inclusive dates per the service contract were March 3, 2014 – December 3, 2014. Per the

request of HFHT for a no-cost extension the project completion date was extended until end of March

2015.

Seven project target districts (flagged)

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Project and support team:

The names of project team members and their positions are given in the Table below:

Names Position Assignment term (person-month)

Farzona Rahimova Project Coordinator/Team leader 4.16

Rukhshed Rajabov Project Administrator 3.93

Bozorov Fariddun Green Energy Expert 2.77

Nafisa Ruzimatova Gender Specialist 3.93

Tolibov Ashur Solar Oven Specialist 2.77

Kodirov Mukim Engineer/ CTA expert 1.85

Also during the project preparation and implementation project team was supported by ADB personnel:

Names Roles/Position

Gulnora Kholova Gender Consultant, Tajikistan Resident mission

Wilma Silva-Netto Rojas RETA 7563Coordinator, Gender Consultant

Jeremy Stickings Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender),

Judy Vermudo Financial Analyst

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1 Unfortunately the question on time spent by women in collecting firewood and manure was not included in the

assessment. However it is observed that women’s involvement in firewood collection in Tajikistan is varied across

the regions. For instance, in the target districts located in Sughd, women are almost not involved in collection

because firewood is bought. In the south regions, women were seen to be collect firewood however it is not a

routine/everyday activity which demands a substantial amount of time from women.

2. Report on Achievement of Project Targets

All the project activities based on the work plan have been completed successfully; all planned targets were

met and fully accomplished.

2.1. Output 1: Raised awareness on green energy solutions and energy efficiency, particularly

among rural households and women.

2.1.1. Conducting needs assessment to determine the general level of awareness and

knowledge of energy issues, green energy and efficiency measures (1000 respondents).

The main purpose of needs assessment (see Annex 1: Need Assessment report) was to

determine the general level of awareness and knowledge of energy issues, green energy

and efficiency measures within target communities, women groups and women CBOs, and

partners MFI clients.

A household baseline survey was conducted in a sample of 993 rural and 50 urban

households in eight districts namely Istaravshan, J.Rasulov, Spitamen, Asht and B.Gafurov

of Sugd region in the north and Kurgantube, Kumsangir and Panj districts of Khatlon region

in the south-west of the country, as well as in capital city of Dushanbe. There are slightly

more female respondents (53 %) than males (47%) interviewed during the survey.

The report reveals interconnection of energy and housing poverty resulting substandard

living conditions. The combination of harsh winters, widespread power outages and

inability to afford sufficient amount of biomass resources (coal, wood, etc), makes majority

of households to have only one room heated for entire family. The survey shows that only

31% of available living space is heated forcing 4-5 people sharing one room for living.

Women and children are among most vulnerable as traditionally they spend most of their

time at home caring the burden of everyday household duties (collecting fire wood,

heating, cooking, collecting water, etc.) on their shoulder. 1

Households have only some knowledge in regard to energy efficient construction and home

improvement and how energy efficiency in the house can be achieved through house

design, construction and retrofitting. In addition the same limitation of awareness is noted

in everyday utilization of energy consuming appliances.

It has been also identified that the combination of knowledge and availability of products

and services does not necessarily mean their application. Almost 75% of respondents

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considered unaffordability and lack of knowledge as main barrier for them to purchase and

benefit from improved energy saving products and solutions.

Positive tendency revealed is a growing women’s awareness of energy efficiency and

energy saving, especially in housing design and construction which is traditionally is

considered to be men’s area. It is reasoned by absence of men for the most period of the

year due to labor migration and inevitable involvement of women in home improvement

activities.

In order to fill that significant knowledge gap and promote energy efficiency, particularly

for rural households and women, the needs assessment study recommended for

innovative, gender sensitive, locally applicable promotion and delivery mechanisms to be

developed and adapted. Gender and other experts like energy and training experts should

work closely to develop promotion materials, training manuals and programs ensuring

relevance of each data and information to local context and real situation. Findings from

this survey should be presented back to the communities surveyed, and more awareness

building initiatives on green energy solutions should be undertaken to deepen knowledge

and expand demand among the larger population.

To succeed in increasing the level of interest of households in energy efficiency solutions

and products it is highly recommended to focus both in product types and affordability, as

well as promotion strategy and mechanisms which should be innovate, gender sensitive

and locally applicable. The financial products and solutions offered should be affordable

and different from what is available in the market. Technical assistance and consultations,

client support should be integrated part of the service package.

See Annex 1 for the complete report of the needs assessment survey including the

questionnaire/s used. Attached are the survey questionnaire (Annex 1-A) and coding sheet

of survey responses (Annex 1-B) which contain the database of baseline information from

which gendered impacts may be compared with the future.

2.1.2. Conducting 20 meetings/seminars for 1000 individuals including 700 women in

target communities.

Only 12 meetings/seminars were conducted instead of the originally planned 20. The

target was reduced upon request by local government and community leaders in some

districts, especially in the south regions citing women’s lack of time due to the agriculture

season and their involvement in various livelihood activities. It was therefore decided to

conduct less meetings with bigger number of participants, rather than more meetings with

less participants. In sum, the total number of participants from 7 districts reached 1062

(701 women, 361 men).

The aim of the awareness raising and promotional campaign was to raise awareness of

target group (especially women) to benefits of energy efficiency and smart green energy

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solutions and to promote interest and access to affordable green loans as well as initiate

change of opinion and behavior towards implementation of energy efficiency measures

which should finally result with more efficient energy consumption and also with decrease

of CO2 emissions.

This was planned to reach through a series of interlinked activities aimed at needs

assessment, awareness raising events specifically tailored for women and children in the

schools, including through peer-to-peer education to use energy efficient/green energy

solutions. Awareness raising design, approach and methodology is described in attached.

(See Annex 2.)

Based on the assessment results awareness raising campaign objectives were set, with

overall goal to raise interest of target groups in green energy products. It was important to

have a need assessment data to feedback the target audience their response and level of

awareness on community level.

Before starting the seminars and meetings the assessment data was analyzed by team of

experts such as gender specialist, energy expert and program expert and seminar plan

presentation was developed to ensure information is relevant and easy to understand. The

seminar consisted of following main sections:

- presentation of data collected

- general overview of energy efficiency and 3 main ways how to achieve this at home,

- presentation of smart green energy solutions/products and its’ benefit especially to women and children

- presentation of upcoming green loan by ADB and partner financial institutions

As the results of the need assessment revealed limited awareness of population in relation

to energy efficiency both in house design, construction/retrofitting and in everyday

utilization of energy consuming appliances, the key messages to be communicated to target

group during the awareness raising campaign were focused on both increasing general

knowledge as well as impact and benefits of deployment of energy efficiency solutions and

products. In addition, messaging was to ensure that reaching energy efficiency and using

green energy is not only financially beneficial, but also environmentally friendly.

Participants of seminars and meetings were mobilized through women CBOs, community

leaders and with the support of local government community based structures. The detailed

description of gender desegregated data, participants and area coverage is given in Annex 3:

Awareness Raising seminar data.

2.1.3. Conducting 40 additional/extra curriculum classes on production of solar ovens for

600 boys and applying/utilizing the solar ovens for 600 girls

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It was mentioned earlier the project deployed integrated approach of promotional

campaign that include informative-educative activities through permanent direct contact

with target group, partner organizations, entrepreneurs and schools providing them with

adequate information through workshops, seminars and presentations including

dissemination of informative-educational materials, such as brochures and posters.

One of the most effective and tangible approach was the demonstration of green energy

product such as solar cooker among school-age children. For this purpose 10 schools were

selected, 6 in the south regions of Khatlon and 4 in Sughd province. There was no strict list

of selection criteria for beneficiary schools. The main pre-condition was the willingness and

openness of schools to accept and integrate this new concept and technology into their

existing extra curriculum classes. The list of schools per target area is given in Annex 4: list of

beneficiary schools. During the first demo presentation of solar cooker in the school yard

more than 500 schoolchildren and 100 teachers had a chance to see the cooker in action

when solar cooker expert prepared fried eggs in their presence. More than 60 extra

curriculum classes were conducted by trained school teachers where more than 1300

children (60% girls and 40% boys) have learnt how the solar cookers are produced and how

to cook using solar energy with this basic technology within their communities and homes.

It is envisaged that demonstration of a solar ovens and its affordable easy-to-use technology

will encourage its utilization in the local communities, whereas schoolchildren will have an

opportunity to practice its assembly/production and cooking on it. Because it is very

important to convey the message through the teenagers, introducing such low-cost energy

saving solutions will promote behavioral changes in terms of applying green energy among

next generation, which is key to sustainability. According to estimation annually more than

2000 girls and boys will have a chance to learn about solar cookers, it’s production and use.

The project promoted equal access of girls and boys both to cooking classes and assembly.

Girls, if they wish, can freely attend the assembly classes and learn how produce cookers.

However, based on feedback from students and teachers, although girls are interested to

learn how the solar cooker is produced, what is made of and how it functions, but almost

none of them express enthusiastic interest to deal with actual assembling and manual

technical work.

2.1.4. Developing a customized guide (booklet) and distribute 2,500 copies to inform

recipient on types and advantages of energy efficient and green energy

facilities/technologies as well as their availability, potential suppliers and approximate

cost in the local market

As the assessment results show the level of awareness among rural population on energy

efficiency and green energy solutions is very low. HFHT developed a comprehensive

brochure to feel the gap of lack of access to information. Colored, A5 format, 44 page and

easy to read brochure (see Annex 5: Energy Efficiency Brochure, in English and Russian

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language) covers themes starting from general basics of energy efficiency and the sources

of heat lost at home to economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency and

concrete solutions and very detailed step by step instructions how to reach energy

efficiency in home design, construction, retrofitting as well as through using improved

household appliances and behavioral change. The brochure also includes information on

the producers and suppliers of SGES products and services in the local market.

2500 copies of the brochure were printed and disseminated in the project. Mainly

brochures were disseminated during the awareness raising seminars, trainings and through

HFHT 14 CTA engineers providing engineering consultancy to clients of partner financial

institutions who took housing improvement loan. Each client family visited were given a

booklet that further familiarized client with green solutions and practical information what,

why, how and where to purchase interested product.

Should be noted that, HFHT continued dissemination of brochure through other

opportunities and activities as well. During the “Access to green energy” expo held in

November 2014 in Dushanbe, HFHT disseminated over 300 brochures among expo

participants and visitors. In addition HFHT will be updating the data on producers and

suppliers of SGES products and further disseminate the brochure through ongoing and new

projects.

2.2 Output 2: Improved capacity of partner MFIs and target group to facilitate delivery of green

finance and promote green energy and energy efficiency in target communities.

2.2.1. Adapting and tailor training module “Improving your home: Building energy

efficient future” into local context.

The existing HFH Manual for trainers/Trainer Guide “Improving Your Home: Building Energy

Efficient Future” was reviewed, and adapted into Tajikistan local context, and translated

(see Annex 6: Training Manual). Local Energy Consultant was assigned to adapt and

integrate green energy component into the training module. Adapted Trainer Guide

includes the use of green energy by women to generate incomes and improve livelihoods,

three strategies towards energy efficiency and financial literacy (see session 2.1 of the

manual for specific examples of gender-inclusive strategies on this topic).

Because of electricity scarce during winter time, absence of gas and centralized heating

system, energy use for heating purposes was focused on coal and wood. However, all types

of energy sources available in the local context were considered in calculation/distinctions

of expenses on energy usage in the household.

Criteria for selecting isolation materials, types of materials available in the local market,

contractors are also given in the manual.

Changes and comparison in comfort level before and after interventions finished using EE

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approaches in repair and construction, made in the form of calculation and included in the

manual.

2.2.2. Conducting 2 ToT with adapted module for the 10 selected trainers of partner MFIs.

This component of the project is designed to support larger goal of ”Access to green

Finance project” project in promotion of green financing among finance and microfinance

institutions and building their capacity in development and delivery of this innovative

product.

In order to build capacity of partner FIs and leave the know-how, knowledge, skills and

guides it was decided to equip indoor trainers and experts of FIs. Thus the selected

participants were experienced trainers worked 2 to 15 years at above mentioned MFIs and

were recommended by the management of Imon and Arvand. Arvand represented 11

trainers and Imon 10 trainers from different branch locations. Almost 65% (14 individuals)

of participants were women. The Training duration was 2 full days and was conducted in

both partner FIs offices, so total of 2 ToT were conducted.

TOT was designed to enhance the training delivery skills, and make the trainer ready for

implementing the sessions in the near future. Sessions were developed based on

interactive methods, participant centered, adult oriented, using available knowledge,

experience and skills of participants.

ToTs had been facilitated by 3 Master-trainers:

- Team leader – follow up on adapted Manual delivery, delivering program content;

- Construction officer – assist in more technical/construction related sessions;

- Gender Specialist - assisting participants in preparations, presentations, group works.

Trained facilitators are better prepared now to guide their clients in planning for their

energy efficient home improvements, prioritizing what is most important or urgent,

deciding on three groups of various measures to take in order to improve energy

consumption at home, as well as learning about rules of wise borrowing for some of the

construction, insulation and heating interventions.

In pre-training questionnaires, participants from MFI’s provided more explanatory feedback

in the forms, while participants from CBOs based in rural area provided more informal

feedback on conversational level.

Post-training phone call interview with some training participants (20) was conducted to

reveal the level of interest to Green Finance Product. Questions like, what is the level of

your interest in borrowing Green loan, if available and provided by MFIs; if yes in what

regard, if no, why, etc. were questioned. The following answers were given:

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- 5% of respondents showed interest in borrowing from Imon for home

isolation using -strategies of Energy Efficiency and knowledge gained during the

trainings.

-30% can’t afford to take a loan, too high interest rates

-25% no need for loan, but will apply knowledge of EE isolation at home and

will promote to others. 40% of these respondents already applied EE isolation

techniques at home.

-5% never took a loan and are afraid to take

-5% already took a loan from Finca MFI to do isolation repair works.

Men participants (Arvand and CTA engineers) were interested mainly about the types of

construction materials for isolation purposes available in the local market, while women

showed interest in electrical home appliances, and questions on Energy Labeling, definition

of 7 classes and colors were raised.

As post project monitoring shows in the framework of preparation for upcoming Access to

Green Finance project partner MFIs continued capacity building activities following the

project. MDO IMON in collaboration with HFHT CTA engineers delivered series of trainings

to loan officers to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to deliver green loans.

More than 140 loan officers were trained and being equipped with knowledge and

necessary skills delivered more than 4000 green loans within short period of time. We

believe this clearly reflects the effect of trainings provided and level of interest by training

participants and clients in green energy products.

2.2.3. Conducting green energy and energy efficiency integrated CTA (construction

technical assistance) training for 70 MFI loan officers who deliver green loans

Within the framework of partnership with financial institutions where HFHT provides its

consulting services in the form of institutional technical assistance and construction

technical assistance, the organization constantly invests time and efforts to enhance

capacity of staff to deliver quality services. Initial CTA (construction technical assistance)

training module did not include comprehensive energy efficiency session and HFHT

engineers were not sufficiently equipped to deliver EE integrated CTA training. Thus the

ToT “Improving Your Home: Building Energy Efficient Future” was conducted for all 14 CTA

engineers. CTA engineers being based in partner MFI branch offices are ideally positioned

to further disseminate and share knowledge and skills to/with MFI branch workers and

their clients. On average within a year period one engineer serves more than 350 clients by

having direct face to face interaction.

Trained engineers conveyed their knowledge and skills to MFI loan officers whom they

constantly work with in the branch offices. Unlike two days ToT these trainings were more

in the form of mentoring and demand driven based on the need expressed by loan officers.

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Within the project phase each CTA engineer trained on average 5 loan officers and

therefore a total of 70 loan officers (40% women) were trained and equipped with

necessary knowledge to deliver green loans.

2.2.4. Conducting 7 ToT with adapted training module for women CBOs. Trained CBO

trainers will further train community groups and population.

Inclusion of women, their empowerment, increasing their awareness and interest in green

energy solutions was a mainstreaming component of the project and has been integrated

in all project activities. According to project design it was decided to work in community

level through women CBOs as they can are present and known in communities. Before

having them to become change makers and active disseminators of green energy solutions

and its benefits to women and children, households and communities, they had to be

trained.

Seven (7) TOTs were conducted (one for each target district). The 2-day TOT “Improving

Your Home: Building Energy Efficient Future” was conducted to a total of 40 women,

representatives of local women CBOs. The list of all ToT participants are given in Annex 7:

List of ToT participants.

Criteria for participants from women CBOs was developed considering active participation

and making contributions to the development of the local communities. Participants from

women CBOs were selected considering criteria and recommended by leaders of local

hukumats. Selected participants – 40 active women were from different areas of

community service organizations: health, education, finance, etc.

The TOT was designed to enhance the training delivery skills, and make the trainer ready

for implementing the sessions in the near future. Sessions were developed based on

interactive methods, participant centered, adult oriented, using available knowledge,

experience and skills of participants.

Conducting training for CBOs was a bit challenging due to the difficulty to find appropriate

place for conducting training, installing a screen for projector, etc. Mainly the trainings

were conducted at the facilities provided by local government –jamoats.

Training designed to deliver for 2 full days: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for each group. Mainly the

sessions were delivered in the form of discussions and group works. Participants both from

MFIs and Women Organizations were very excited and fluent in delivering the sessions,

providing their own issue cases, like: stains and molds on the walls and ceilings at their

home, about the energy loss, overhead costs on electricity and spending on heating using

coal and wood. Especially women felt excited discussing how they wash clothes, what

difficulties do women face: collecting and heating water, washing by hands, rinsing on cold

water, etc, which brings moreover illnesses.. Then after comparison between costs (energy,

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water, time, health, etc.) in hand-washing and using an EE automatic washing machine was

taken as an example, benefits and preference was made towards purchasing EE automatic

washing machines. It was pleasant to hear, that even women with conservative views,

mainly in-laws, decided to purchase EE automatic washing machines to their homes to use

by daughter in law, to make them take care of their health.

Participants recalled in mind how to measure the sizes of the frames, walls, ceilings and

floors using the formulas to make accurate estimations before purchasing isolation

materials and determining the size of the loan.

Participants expressed their gratitude in raising the topic of Energy Efficiency and involving

women in such a burning issue as they experience all the negative effect of energy poverty

and complication it cause to all aspects of their life during the cold season. Most of them

insisted the topic should be in the priority at different level, and should be delivered to

other community members during any community meetings, gatherings, parties,

celebrations, etc.

Participants noted that disseminated handouts and brochures on EE to every participant,

was a very useful and practical tool to follow and study from following the training.

During the post project monitoring it was revealed that some of the active trained trainers

from CBOs have conducted energy efficiency training to local women in their communities.

Out of the 40 trainers 12 started training others and approximately 250 more women in

rural communities benefited so far. As the venue for conducting the training is challenging

most of the trainers conduct sessions in more informal set-up at home for neighbors and

which is more appropriate and easier for rural women to attend.

More precise and detailed information about all training activities (training for MFIs, CBOs,

and CTA engineers and loan officers) have been presented in separate “Training report”

(Annex 8 : Training Report).

2.2.5. Introducing and training on new energy efficient and green energy

facilities/products for HFHT Building and Training centers (BTC) in 2 districts.

One of the key elements in awareness raising approach throughout the project is the actual

demonstration of products, their production, benefits and application in real life. It is

important as green/energy efficient solutions and products are rather new especially to

rural communities of the country. HFHT runs two Building and Training Centers, one in

Kumsangir and another in Asht district. They are key contact points for local population

serving as primary resource for improved construction and integrated energy

saving/efficient techniques. Thus it was decided to use existing “wheel” to introduce one of

the green energy product – solar cookers. The product has been introduced to both BTCs

through 2 on-the-job workshops, one workshop in Kumsangir and another in Asht. During

the workshop 13 BTC staff and local masters learnt in detail how to produce solar cookers

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using existing materials in the local market. Also 10 teachers from 10 target schools

participated in the same workshop. Altogether 23 participants have gained knowledge and

skills how to produce and use solar cookers and all of them have been given educational

material on how to use solar cookers. School teachers have already been using gained

knowledge and skills to introduce the product in schools to schoolchildren.

Demo presentations, introduction of low-cost, affordable technologies in action can have

more direct effect to local population, especially women to see how they can improve their

livelihoods through saving they make by applying energy efficient enhancements in their

daily life. Women participated in the presentations were delighted as they realized how

this type of cookers can save their and their children time and efforts spent on fire-wood

collection. Thanks to this initiative annually more than 1000 school-age girls will have a

chance to learn about solar cookers, it’s production and use.

For BTCs introduction of solar cooker is a new product in their production line that they can

offer to the market and it opportunity to enhance the quality of its service by offering to

market more demanded and new products which can be key to sustainability.

Narrative on Achievement of the Planned Project Outcome and Impact stated in the DMF

Main Outcome: Increased buyer and lender awareness and interest in green energy solutions and

maximized benefits to women.

During the project lifespan many interrelated project activities have been carried out such as vast need

assessment, varied types of trainings on community and institutional levels and awareness raising seminars

where more than 6000 people (around 70% women) were involved in 7 districts covering 3 major provinces

of the country. All these activities have definitely increased the level of awareness in green energy solutions

among project target group. Increased interest in green energy products and solutions among buyer and

lenders has been more precisely observed through the post project monitoring and observations.

Two leading financial institutions in Tajikistan, IMON International and MDO Arvand, potential lenders for

smart green energy solutions, have been empowered to take more solid step toward launching new

product as their key staff and master trainers as well as loan officers have been trained and equipped to

deliver green loan product. And these two institutions have already launched the new product without

ADB green loan investment which is the direct witness of the increased capacity and level of their interest

by lender in green energy solutions.

While the positive trend within finance sector can be easily measured the same change in the level of

generated interest and appetite by project among population on green energy products, especially women,

could be a challenging task to measure due to:

- Short period: usually the impact is measured through monitoring and evaluation activities to be

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conducted within certain period of time after the project implementation period.

- Unfortunately at the moment when awareness raising and training activities were conducted, the

green loan product was not yet developed by the MFIs and the product was not available for clients. A lot

of questions rose in regard to specific parameters of green loan product such as loan period, interest rate,

maximum amount, etc. This is usual interest in new product and cannot clearly reflect the true appetite to

specific green loan product.

Thus the description of potential impact of project in increasing the interest of population, especially

women in green energy and energy efficiency solutions combine both the outcomes of post project

monitoring and data collection as well as interpretation of post training evaluation forms.

Due to delay with ADB Green Loan, MDO IMON took initiative to launch pilot product under Green loan,

namely the product called “Preparation for Winter season”. The pilot product was launched almost in all

IMON affiliates mostly including the area where awareness raising and training activities were conducted.

Within slightly more than a month period more than 4500 loans were disbursed that witness about acute

need for the product. It should be noted that almost 1700 loans or 40% of loan borrowers were women.

According to Product development Manager of MDO IMON this enormous take-up of the loan can be

reasoned by 2 factors: 1) increasing demand for such product and 2) people’s awareness about upcoming

product.

We believe this can also serve as an indicator of impact of preceded project that influenced positively on

the level of interest of population, including women, in green energy, energy efficiency and green loans.

The observation reveal also positive growing tendency of women’ awareness of energy efficiency in general

and in housing which is the area that traditionally is considered solely male-dominated. The primary reason

suggested for this change is the absence of men for the most of time due to the labor migration. Indeed,

today women are involved in all aspects of household management, including their involvement in home

improvement activities. Usually husband and other able bodied male family members send remittances and

manage remotely any major activities back at home and inevitably their wives play a significant role in

implementation of planned activities. As the monitoring results of HFHT and MFI s housing finance projects

show women highly value the construction technical assistance provided by engineers along with housing

loan. It is clear that, women can play a significant role in the design and implementation of household level

energy saving and energy efficient interventions including home improvement and thus their capacity

should be further improved and they should be involved in as decision makers and implementers.

The technical knowledge women gained through trainings, manuals and guidelines and consultations from

engineers empowers them to play more significant role at family and community level, upgrades the status

of women in family hierarchy where usually capacity and ability of women is underestimated, gives them

the sense of self -confidence on their ability to improve their livelihoods through saving they make by

applying energy efficient enhancements in their daily life. Also employment opportunity of women who

received ToT is increased as they can be hired by other NGOs to deliver trainings.

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2.3. (After this project), how will your organization ensure that project outcomes will be sustained

towards achievement of impact stated in DMF?

Energy efficiency and green energy solutions is one of the main strategic program direction of HFHT.

The organization will build on experienced gained and capacity built during the project to continue

productive collaboration both with financial institutions and communities to ensure longer term impact

of the project sustained.

As it was mentioned above HFHT and partner MFIs have already launched the green loan product

throughout the country and the loan take-up within short period serves already as a promising factor.

Women are actively taking green loans and HFHT with partner FIs will continue this fruitful

collaboration with FI partners and ensure women participation.

The capacity building activities have been continued both in institutional and community level. MDO

IMON in collaboration with HFHT CTA engineers delivered series of trainings to loan officers to equip

them with necessary knowledge and skills to deliver green loans. More than 140 loan officers were

trained. According to mutual agreement these type of trainings will be conducted on quarterly base.

Women trained from the members of women CBOs have continued to deliver training within their

communities and neighborhoods. HFHT will continue to monitor the process and provide support

where necessary. In addition all trained trainers are in HFHT and partner MFIs database and can be

involved in any other future projects as trainers and community mobilizers.

Awareness raising of green energy solutions among/through school children will be continued through

regular additional/extra curriculum classes. All target schools have been equipped with solar cookers

and brochures and the teachers are trained to convey the knowledge. According to estimation

annually more than 2000 girls and boys will have a chance to learn about solar cookers, it’s production

and use.

HFHT will continue dissemination of customized guide (booklet) “Energy efficiency and green energy

solutions” to inform recipient on types and advantages of energy efficient and green energy

facilities/technologies. This will be done through MFI partnership project as well as any other

awareness raising events and opportunities such as “Access to green energy” expo held in November

2014 in Dushanbe, where HFHT disseminated over 300 brochures among expo participants and visitors.

In addition HFHT will be updating the data on producers and suppliers of SGES products and further

disseminate the brochure through ongoing and new projects.

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2 Both positive and negative (challenges and how they were addressed)

3 How can the project be more effective and relevant to the gender equality and women’s empowerment agenda?

4 Procedural and administrative concerns

3. Lessons Learned2 and Recommendations

3.1. On the pilot project’s effectiveness and relevance3 to achievement of the women’s

empowerment and gender equality agenda in the project site

With an effect of massive labor migration of able bodied male population seeking better employment

opportunity abroad the role of the women is becoming more and more essential. In addition to

traditional care of the children and household the modern Tajik women are “pushed” into becoming

more knowledgeable and skilled in areas that used to be male dominated – home improvement, energy

efficiency solutions, products, etc. As the need assessment showed there is a gap in knowledge and

understand of energy issue among both women and men.

However, when women are paid necessary attention and trained they are capable to succeed even in

such a technical area like energy efficient housing design and construction. During the project this

positive tendency have been observed. After completing training the women became more active on

decision making, they feel more confident that can play even more significant role at family and

community level. With improved capacity and ability they definitely feel better positioned in family

hierarchy, gives them the sense of self-confidence on their ability to improve their livelihoods through

saving they make by applying energy efficient enhancements in their daily life.

In order to continue to fill the knowledge gap and promote energy efficiency, particularly for rural

households and women, there is a need for more innovative, gender sensitive, locally applicable

promotion and delivery mechanisms. Gender and other experts like energy and training experts should

work closely to develop promotion materials, training manuals and programs ensuring relevance of

each data and information to local context and real situation.

3.2. On efficiency in project management4

The project was one of the shortest and most intensive HFHT have ever implemented considering the

extensive volume of activities for given implementation period. Overall, the project management team

was able to successfully implement the entire project planned activities according to project workplan

and achieved good results.

However, there were a few concerns raised during the project implementation.

According to initial plan of development of institutional linkages the project intended to establish close

collaboration with the GEF Project Management Unit to ensure both effective feed-backs on its

activities as well as provide necessary expert back-up for GEF PMU through Project Gender Specialist.

Unfortunately, the establishment of PMU has been delayed and HFHT could not fully benefit during the

project phase from PMU assistance and expert back-up.

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- The Green loan product unavailability: The project team faced some challenges conducting

awareness raising campaign aimed to increase the interest of target group to green loan

products. The problem was the absence of subject which the interest to access should be

increased in: unfortunately at the moment when awareness raising and training activities

were conducted, the green loan product was not yet developed by the MFIs and the

product was not available for clients. Numerous questions rose with regard to specific

parameters of green loan product such as loan period, interest rate, maximum amount, etc.

This is usual interest to new product and cannot clearly reflect the true appetite to specific

green loan product.

4. Institutional strengthening - Effect of the pilot project to our organization’s capacity to develop,

implement and monitor gender and development (GAD) projects

HFHT has been one of the leading organizations in shelter and housing related activities with advanced

technical capacity and experience with the last 2-3 decades. It should be admitted that being an expert in

housing and implementing number of community based interventions HFHT have always been trying to

include women in all project components. However, the women empowerment and gender equity have

never been a strong expertise of organization and the organization have never implemented and monitored

solely gender and development project. Although this gap in organization expertise have not been seen

clearly during the implementation of this project thanks to involvement of gender expert but as

organization with longer term strategic development the necessary lessons have been learnt from this

project. And HFHT gained crucial experience that will enable organization to make necessary decisions to

prioritize and invest in gender and development direction more efforts and assets as HFHT is including

gender empowerment as a cross-cutting issue in its strategic development.

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5. Table on Project Implementation Status. (Note: entries under the columns on output, activities, targets,

and planned completion dates should match the implementation plan table in your proposal)

Based on approved Implementation Plan Report

on Actual

Status

Remarks if target

dates and success

indicators were not

achieved as

planned

Outputs Activities Activity Success

Indicator (Planned)

Completion

Date

Output 1: Raised

awareness of

green energy

solutions and

energy efficiency

particularly

among rural

households and

women

1.1. Conducting needs

assessment to determine the

general level of awareness

and knowledge of energy

is-sues, green energy and

efficiency measures (1000

respondents)

Need

Assessment/baseline

survey report

March completed

1.2. Conducting 20

meetings/seminars for 1000

individuals including 700

women in target

communities

1000 individuals

participated in seminars

and meetings with at

least 70% women.

April-may completed Per the request and

advice of local

government and

community leaders

in some districts,

especially in the

south regions due

to active

agriculture season

and women

business it was

decided to conduct

less meetings with

bigger number of

participants rather

than more

meetings with less

participants. Thus

total of 12

meetings/seminars

were conducted

instead of

originally planned

20.

1.3. Conducting 40

addition-al/extra curriculum

classes on production of

solar ovens for 600 boys

and applying/utilizing the

solar ovens for 600 girls

1200 schoolchildren

including 600 girls are

trained and informed of

solar stoves/cookers and

are ready to utilize it in

practice

May -

October

completed The monitoring

was conducted

during September

and October as

schools were

closed during

summer vacation

1.4. Developing and

disseminating 2500

customized guide (booklet)

to inform recipient on types

and advantages of energy

efficient and green energy

facilities/technologies as

well as their availability,

potential suppliers and

approximate cost in the

local market

Booklet design and

content developed,

2500 copies printed and

disseminated.

April - July completed The dissemination

of booklets have

been completed in

July

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Output 2 - Built

capacity of

partner MFIs and

target group to

facilitate delivery

of green finance

and promote

green energy and

energy efficiency

in target

communities

2.1 Adapting and tailor

training module “Improving

your home: Building

energy efficient future” into

local context.

Training module

“Improving your home:

Building energy

efficient future” adapted

and tailored into local

context.

March completed

2.2. Conducting 2 ToT with

adapted module for the 10

selected trainers of partner

MFIs. Trained MFI trainers

will further train both MFIs

and potential clients

10 trainers are trained

from among training

departments staff of the

partner MFIs

April -May completed 21 trainers were

trained as opposed

to planned 10.

Following the

trainings trainers

trained 140 more

individuals.

2.3. Conducting green

energy and energy

efficiency integrated CTA

(construction technical

assistance) training for 70

MFI loan officers who

deliver green loans

70 loan officers trained

on green energy and

energy efficiency

integrated CTA and

equipped to deliver

green loans

May - June completed The activity was

planned for April

but due to partner

MFI request it was

conducted in May

and June.

2.4. Conducting 7 ToT with

adapted training module for

women CBOs. Trained

CBO trainers will further

train com-munity groups

and population

40 active women,

representatives of

women CBO have

received ToT and

became trainers.

May - June completed Following the

training trained

trainers conducted

trainings for 250

more individuals

2.5. Introducing and

training on new energy

efficient and green energy

facilities/products for

HFHT Building and

Training centers in 2

districts.

2 on-the-job workshops

conducted and solar

cooker technology, its'

production and use

introduced to 2 BTCs

May completed

6. Appendices / Project Outputs

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Restricted Access to Annexes is available upon request, please contact Judy Vermudo: jvermudo@adb.org

Annex 1: Needs Assessment report

1. A. Survey Questionnaire (attached in the report)

1. B. Database on Survey Responses / Coding Sheet

Annex 2: Awareness Raising Design

Annex 3: Awareness Raising seminar data

Annex 4: List of Beneficiary Schools

Annex 5: Brochure on Energy Efficiency

5. A. English

5. B. Russian

Annex 6: Training Manual

Annex 7: List of ToT participants

Annex 8: Training Report / Documentation

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7. Photos with captions

Pic.1: Awareness raising meeting in Istaravshan district.

Pic.2: Awareness raising meeting in Asht district.

Pic.3: ToT group work process for MDO Arvand.

Pic.4: ToT with MDO Arvand, master trainer giving certificate to participants.

Pic.5: ToT with MDO IMON, trained participants holding their sessions.

Pic.6: ToT with MDO IMON, group photo of participants and trainers.

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Pic.7: ToT in Kurgonteppa district trained participant holding her session during ToT as a trainer.

Pic.8: ToT in Kurgonteppa. Presenting group work poster on where and how energy is consumed at home.

Pic.9: ToT in Kumsangir district: calculation and presenting calculation of monthly energy expenses

Pic.10: ToT in Panj district: Group photo of training participants and trainer

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Pic.11: Solar cooker workshop at BTC in Asht district.

Pic.12: Solar cooker workshop at BTC in Kumsangir district.

Pic.13: Solar cooker demonstration at school, Kumsangir district.

Pic.13: Solar cooker demonstration at school, Panj district.