We are only able to apply effort estimates to Features in Aha. It would be helpful if we could add effort estimates to the Feature AND/OR the Requirements underneath that feature and have the effort estimates add up to a total on the Feature, and then features would add up to a total on the Initiative.
This is possible today via Settings -> Product -> Configure. At the bottom of this page, there is a choice for "Default estimate association" where you can determine whether estimates should be applied at the feature or requirements level.