Empowerment impact assessment (EmpIA), a tool for poverty alleviation and capacity building

Abstract

Empowerment impact assessment (EmpIA) is a quantitative and qualitative process, developed to evaluate the empowerment opportunities in civil engineering projects. It informs the design and construction processes of the projects and records the actual impact with regard to the economic empowerment, employment opportunities and training requirements of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs), and local material and plant availability. The EmpIA should be seen as a tool to assist practitioners in unlocking opportunities by unbundling projects and designing infrastructure in such a manner that the participation of local communities, contractors and Affirmative Business Enterprises (ABEs) is maximised.

2006: 3rd IRF/SARF Regional Conference for Africa