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Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures

ILO brief

Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures

The ILO policy brief addresses the urgent need to create decent jobs for rural youth by examining both the demand and supply sides of the rural labour market. It highlights the specific barriers rural youth face, such as limited access to skills development and productive resources, exacerbated by structural deficiencies. At the same time, it underscores the potential of the agri-food sector and rural areas for job creation. And the important role of rural youth, alongside all age groups, in driving the future of rural areas by acquiring skills, adopting new technologies, and leading the transition to green and digital transformation.In setting the path forward, the brief emphasizes the importance of using integrated approaches that are gender-sensitive, rights-based, and underpinned by social dialogue to unlock the potential of rural youth.Capitalizing on the lessons learned from the IFAD-sponsored ProAgro YOUTH and JOY projects, the brief outlines various policy actions and recommendations to foster a policy? environment conducive to rural youth employment. These include enhancing rural infrastructure and connectivity, promoting social protection measures, and ensuring access to education and training programs tailored to market needs. The brief advocates as well for diversifying rural economies by leveraging opportunities in the green and blue economies, agribusiness, and rural non-farm sectors. Importantly, it also stresses the importance of effective partnerships to advance coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including government bodies, employers and workers organizations and youth organizations, to create sustainable job opportunities and address the unique challenges faced by rural youth. 

11 June 2024

Active Labour Market Programs Improve Employment and Earnings of Young People

A systematic review by the World Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO) combines results from evaluations of 220 youth-focused active labour market programs (ALMPs) conducted around the world since 1990. The evidence shows that investments in labour market programs for young people pay off: ALMPs significantly improve their employment and earnings prospects, particularly in Low- and Middle-income countries. Youth at greatest risk of labour market exclusion often benefit the most. To guide future program design, the report identifies features of ALMPs that are associated with positive impacts on youth. 

5 June 2024

Rapid assessment of digital skills gaps and the feasibility of microwork employment opportunities in Uganda

Rapid assessment of digital skills gaps and the feasibility of microwork employment opportunities in Uganda

Commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of the PROSPECTS programme, the study focused on assessing demand and supply issues in the gig economy, digital skills gaps, and opportunities for young people and utilized a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 568 young people from four districts, of whom 502 participated in the quantitative survey and the remainder in Focus Group Discussions. Additionally, insights were gathered from 46 key informants representing government, nongovernmentalorganizations, and private institutions in the digital space. Despite limitations, such as a lack of literature on microwork in Uganda and a low response rate from identified microwork providers, the study’s comprehensive methodology yielded robust findings and actionable recommendations for the PROSPECTS programme.Key findingsMicrowork opportunities: Limited local organizations offer digital microwork, with the majority of opportunities provided by international organizations. Challenges faced by young people include a lack of knowledge, skills, digital devices, and internet accessDigital economy opportunities: Intermediary organizations and e-commerce platforms offer diverse opportunities in digital work beyond microwork, aligning with the basic digital literacy skills demonstrated by the youth.Challenges: Despite available opportunities, challenges include limited internet access, insufficient demonstration of digital skills, and a lack of soft skills among young people. Providers also face resource constraints and training overlap. 

23 May 2024

EYE Forsa: Issue 2

Newsletter

EYE Forsa: Issue 2

21 May 2024

Women in Sports in Jordan - Goal for Life: Upskilling Fitness Trainers and Personal Trainers

a designed publication cover with a picture of veiled women running

Women in Sports in Jordan - Goal for Life: Upskilling Fitness Trainers and Personal Trainers

In conjunction with a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Youth in Jordan and the International Labour Organization (ILO), “Goal for Life” programme, was conceptualised and implemented by Mudarrib, known for its expertise in sports consultancy. Mudarrib, a social enterprise registered with the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and in collaboration with the ILO, is committed to fostering women’s empowerment through the creation of decent employment opportunities and the mitigation of unemployment rates. This programme specifically focuses on equipping participants with the necessary skills for employment in gyms, educational institutions, and various sports facilities. Through effective utilisation of the media, the Goal for Life programme seeks to break misconceptions and stereotypes about women’s capabilities.

2 May 2024

Promoting youth employment in Songkhla and Yala, Thailand

9 April 2024

Skills Matter!