From March 2 – 6, 2009 LMRF and DED’s M&E unit, delivered the final training workshop of the 2008/2009 Emerging Researchers Capacity Enhancement Programme (ERCEP).

The Emerging Researchers Capacity Enhancement Programme for M&E in LED was set up and piloted in 2007. At the end of this pilot, a first batch of 15 participants graduated in March 2008. ERCEP aims to develop a pool of specialists that have knowledge of and skills in participatory monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment of programmes, projects and business ventures aimed at local economic development. Efforts are underway to further develop the programme for it to lead to a National Diploma at NQF level 6.

Early in 2008, Heifer Project SA approached LMRF to discuss the way in which LMRF could assist operationalising Heifer’s strategic plan. After initial discussions, a joint field visit to one of Heifer’s projects and internal deliberations, LMRF prepared a proposal and budget, which Heifer approved marking the start of a fruitful partnership.

Although our economic crisis monitor showed modest improvement last week; most other indicators released provided no end in sight to the economic downturn. The European Monetary Union (EMU)
posted Q4 growth last year of -1.5%, with only Greece and Cyprus recording growth. Canada recorded its first trade deficit since 1976, and along with China whose exports declined by 17.5% and imports collapsed 43% during January, were solid proof that world trade is shrinking.

For an economy who relies heavily on consumer spending (65% of growth), the US took another smack when employment fell by a further 598 000 in January. This was worse than expected, and in
addition the previous four months were revised down by a shock 311 000.

The Durban Investment Promotion Agency (dipa) together with the South African LED Network, Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) and The Learning, Monitoring and Research Facility (LMRF)

invite you to attend a national BR&E event which will provide an opportunity for people who have been involved in BR&E initiatives to share their learning and experience and also to discuss the possible formation of a BR&E Community of Practice linked to the LED Network and BRE Iinternational (BREI). Three training courses are being offered in conjunction with this:

9-10 March: SA BR&E Course: A two day BREI accredited course on how to conduct a local BR&E programme.
10 March: BREI Registration Course: A one day course to obtain BREI recognition for training before 2008

The Learning, Monitoring and Research Facility (LMRF)
FinMark Trust
The LED Network
&
SaveAct

invite you to a seminar to hear about an exciting new model of micro-finance “Community-based financial services for the poor: a model for replication in South Africa?”

This seminar will be chaired by the CEO of the South African Savings Institute.

An international speaker, Gabrielle Athmer, from VSL Associates, will introduce the methodology and experiences from Africa and Asia.
Anton Krone, founder of SaveAct, will share experiences of piloting this model in South Africa.

The LMRF monthly newsletter is designed to disseminate the LMRF’s latest research, insights and position papers, through URL links to our main website. We hope to stimulate debate and consequently welcome both contributions and correspondence.

As the LMRF moves towards becoming a self sustaining independent body, it has become desirable to find a name of the organisation that is both memorable and corresponds to what we do. At least three possibilities have been suggested so far.

LMRF and the GTZ invites you to the Cutting Red Tape in LED Workshop. This is intended to be a high-powered workshop made up of individuals with some background understanding of the problems associated with red tape in local economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

This is the first issue of a monthly newsletter designed to disseminate the LMRF’s latest research, insights and position papers, through URL links to our main website. We hope to stimulate debate and consequently welcome both contributions and correspondence.