Scaling Up Youth Employment in Agriculture Initiative

The primary target group is unemployed and under-employed out-of-school young people between 18 and 30 years with the majority being those between 21 and 26.

The secondary target group includes various institutions and organisations whose capacity will be strengthened by the project.

Outcome 1: Additional 24’000 out of school youth (at least 50% young women) improve their employability skills. Youth with improved employability skills are matched with market opportunities and mentored into self-employment and enterprise development.

Outcome  2: Improved ecosystem’s effectiveness (public, private and civil service providers and private sector companies) in providing employability and employment opportunities. Over 13’000 young people enter new jobs or markets.

Outcome 3: Improved youth employment policy environment at national level via company partnerships, household and community engagement, and improved government coordination and implementation resulting in more effective strategies for youth employability and employment creation.

Expected results:  

• Additional 24’000 youth benefit from financial, basic life (or soft) skills, and business courses.
• Of the total youths, 12’000 receive guidance, coaching, and support in developing key skills and competencies necessary for employment or entrepreneurship.
• Average yearly earnings increase to USD 720 from USD 290 and USD 216 for male and female youth respectively.
• Above 2’000 new youth-led enterprises are formed or established
• 16 localised policy forums where youth are engaged and consulted

Results from previous phases:  

• Skill development to over 23’000 young people (about 15’000 (54%F) in Zimbabwe and over 8’000 (49%F) in Zambia).
• Over 10’000 jobs (over 5’000 in Zimbabwe and over 4’000 in Zambia). 
• Increased participants’ incomes by an average of 80% (88% Zimbabwe/71% in Zambia).
• Gender income disparity narrowed from 29% at baseline to 17% at ending in Zambia with Zimbabwe having insignificant shifts as they were near null at baseline.
• Over ¾ of young people went into the informal sector whereas almost ¼ worked in the formal sector.

Lessons learnt include the need to engage in select value chains supported by enterprise and market development. The diversity and varied needs of the youth also emerged as crucial driving elements for business aspirations and desired pathways for employment.