To fill the gap, the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the KZN Department of Economic Development (DED-M&E) and the Learning, Monitoring and Research Facility (LMRF) developed a Capacity Enhancement Programme for Emerging Researchers on M&E in LED.

The Emerging Researchers Capacity Enhancement Programme (ERCEP) aims at building a skilled M&E-LED researcher pool, both “in house” or as independent consultants. It addresses LED, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment matters and tools research, writing, presentation and general advisory skills.

The programme consists of a series of five interlinked workshops spread over the period of one year with homework assignments in between. “Learning by doing” and “Learning from each other” are the principles underlying the training and learning process in the ERCEP.

The programme is in its second cycle. In March 2008, 15 participants of the first cycle graduated. The second cycle is currently on its way with 21 participants. In a couple of months the flier for the 2009-2010 third cycle will be distributed.

In due course the programme will be packaged in different formats (e.g. 3-day up 2-week courses) tailored to meet the needs of other interested parties.