This report presents the diagnostic findings to identify the Model Program for Women and Youth’s Economic Empowerment. Save the Children International (SCI) contracted Paribartan, a research consultant, for this assessment from November 19, 2021, to March 31, 2022. The overall objective of the study is to identify and recommend the most profitable livelihood enterprise for women and youths, which is compatible with the COVID context and beyond. The specific objectives of the diagnostic are to: conduct desktop research to identify different enterprises being adopted by youths in Nepal and adjoining countries, carry out field research in different parts of the country (strategic regional and district markets) to observe enterprises, and collect relevant information; assess the technical and economic viability for replication of those enterprises targeting Nepalese youths and women; and suggest the most profitable and promising enterprises for immediate replication. The consultant has applied an interactive approach with mixed methods, a qualitative diagnostic of enterprise competitiveness, and quantitative confirmation of the economic viability of the diagnosed enterprises for this assessment.  This approach includes the following methods: Systemic competitiveness and market attractiveness diagnostic through five mini-workshops among key successful youth enterprises in selected locations (Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Janakpur, and Kathmandu) at meta, macro, meso, and micro levels; sub-sector competitiveness diagnostics through mini-workshops in selected locations using Porter’s diamond tool; key enterprise interviews (KEI) among promising enterprises that are identified through the systemic and sub-sector diagnostic process using Porter’s five forces model; key informants interviews (KII) among local stakeholders; and technical and economic viability confirmation diagnostic among youth ( boys and girls ) owned enterprises that are selected through the above methods.

Most interviewed enterprise promoters (youth under 40) provide full-time quality management, which yields a significantly higher internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), return on equity (RoE), and a low payback period (PBP). For details of the findings please contact directly to Save the Children International, Nepal Office, Kathmandu.