With the support of:

Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe face similar challenges in terms of youth unemployment in rural areas. On one hand, market demand for labour is low, with few existing and qualitative opportunities for rural youth. On the other hand, youth often lack the right capital – human, productive, social and financial – to take advantage of employment opportunities.  Furthermore, the three countries are severely affected by climate change. As most households are dependent on agriculture, they are particularly vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns and the availability of water resources.

Emerging from periods of upheaval, the three countries are rebuilding their economy, which presents an opportunity to integrate environmentally conscious practices into their development strategies and transition towards green economies. Through sustainable agricultural production practices, these countries can not only adapt to climate challenges but also foster resilient, thriving communities.

To support the shift towards agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability and improved livelihoods in Sierra Leone, Timor Leste and Zimbabwe, FAO and KOICA have launched the Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment (GJ4RYE) project.

Why FAO

FAO has a strong track record in supporting rural stakeholders across agricultural subsectors to transition towards more productive, adaptive and sustainable practices. In particular, FAO has vast expertise in terms of skills development to increase the employability of youth in local agrifood value chains, helping them transition to green jobs and to improve their livelihoods. 

Interventions

The objective of the project is to promote tangible, green employment opportunities through green entrepreneurship and wage-employment programmes.

In particular, the project identifies the most promising value chains for green development – which include sustainable poultry production, insect rearing for livestock and fish feed, forestry, and apiculture. Based on these value chains, FAO provides soft and sector-specific training to increase the employability of rural youth, while enabling them to have access to sustainable agricultural technologies. Furthermore, the project supports green businesses with a grant scheme combined with tailored mentorship programmes. 

At the policymaking level, FAO contributes to the integration of green jobs and rural youth employment considerations within national policies and strategies, helping governments to fully harness the developmental potential of rural areas and agricultural subsectors.

Videos

Key publications

Partners

• Mabunduka Agro Farms
• University of Zimbabwe – Lake Kariba Research Station
• Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology