The Impact of Quality Foundational Skills on Youth Employment in Africa: Does Institutional Quality Matter?

Abstract

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a CGIAR Research Center established in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI's strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is integrated in all the Institute's work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI's research from action to impact. The Institute's regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world.

Rural Transformation and Labor Market Outcomes among Rural Youths in Nigeria

“…However, several factors influence the decision of youths to engage in off-farm employment and to determine the type of jobs they engage in. References [4,[17][18][19] revealed that due to restricted opportunities in rural areas, desperate youths going into off-farm work choose low-paying, unskilled off-farm wage employment to earn a living [4,[18][19][20]. The low employment opportunities for youths in rural areas have been related to the underdevelopment and poor access to economic resources [21].…”

“…Poorly educated youths, without the right skills have slimmer chances of being employed in decent and well-paying jobs. Even when they are engaged in other sectors such as manufacturing and construction work, low-income levels and underemployment remain as common features among them [20,25]. In addressing the challenges of poor development and its economic implications in rural areas, Timmer and Timmer and Akkus [1] opined that effective policies and interventions that promote rural transformation can increase the relative contribution of sectors, such as industries and services, while reducing the contribution from agriculture.…”

Assessing the Impact of Youth-in-Agribusiness Program on Poverty and Vulnerability to Poverty in Nigeria

“…The African Youth Charter defines youth as those between the ages of 15 and 35 [1], accounting for approximately 17.6% of the global population. Many studies, e.g., [2][3][4][5][6], have noted that young people, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are now at the epicenter of a major economic crisis, limiting their ability to improve their social and economic status, as well as their prospects for the future. Some studies [7,8] have suggested that youth unemployment is a significant driver of poverty and vulnerability to poverty in many developing countries.…”