Why
Despite rapid urbanization in many countries, around 46 per cent of the world’s population, many of them young people, live in rural areas. Young women and men can be catalysts for economic growth and development in rural economies, but only if they have access to decent work. Some of the barriers they typically face include low incomes, hazardous and precarious working conditions, and limited or no access to social protection. Ensuring that rural youth have access to an abundance and variety of quality jobs is not just important for their personal wellbeing, but also key to reducing poverty and achieving global food security in the coming decades.
HOW
Investing in decent jobs for rural youth can catalyze economic growth and development in rural economies as a whole. At Decent Jobs for Youth, our approach centres on developing and supporting efficient agribusiness, value chains and entrepreneurship models. Another key focus area is ensuring that young people have access to productive resources, such as land, technology and financial services. These efforts are complemented by strengthening policies and programmes so that the rural economy benefits from a skilled youth labour force and a positive business climate.
Who
The FAO and the ILO are committed to lead this thematic priority. Decent Jobs for Youth brings together a growing number of partners who are committed to boost labour market outcomes and unleash the potential of youth in the rural economy.
Create sustainable change for young entrepreneurs
YBI aims to support 1 million young people (18-35 years) to start, strengthen and grow sustainable businesses by 2025. Its global network of expert organisations is present in 50 countries across 6 continents, working to develop new solutions to the critical challenges facing young entrepreneurs. In turn, they help to create more jobs, strengthen communities and foster sustainable development, impacting SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG8 (Decent Work), and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities). YBIs work is supported by Accenture, Citi Foundation and Inter-American Bank Group who have been instrumental in helping them increase the impact of their network.
Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan
The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan was developed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYSD), as a strategy to respond effectively to the youth employment challenge in Nigeria. The major objectives of the plan are to address fragmentation and harness technical and financial resources for meaningful impact. The plan targets young people between the ages of 18-35 years and details needed actions in support of employment creation for youth in critical economic and social sectors and outlines the financing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation frameworks. FMYSD is the lead entity and is responsible for budgetary provisions and for funds mobilization.