Youth employment through agricultural development

Over 60 per cent of young people in Sierra Leone are unemployed or underemployed. The lack of prospects – one of the principal causes of the lengthy civil war – is still considered a major threat to peace and stability. Youth employment is a source of great economic potential. Yet in the twelve years since the end of the armed conflict, the country´s production and employment potential has still not been fully tapped, especially in the rural private sector. Skilled workers are in short supply. After a decade of civil war and poor government funding, the education situation also remains inadequate. Around half of the population is unable to read or write. Without needs-oriented training and practical work experience, it is difficult for young people to find productive employment. Since ten years, the project aims to improve the employment and income situation of young people in rural areas of Sierra Leone in three districts. In order to increase employment opportunities for young people, the private sector must be revived and strengthened. The greatest development potential is offered by the agricultural sector as one of the primary economic sectors; at present, however, it is inadequately geared to the market economy and securing the livelihoods of the citizens. Using a multilevel approach at the target group level, the activities focus on creating jobs and income thorugh the Output ´Youth are qualified for self and wage employment in and around the cocoa/coffee, rice and small ruminants value chain.