This research highlights the absence of formal employment opportunities facing millions of young Africans, as well as the complexity they face in establishing sustainable and productive livelihoods. Drawing on research with young people from rural Ghana and Uganda aged 18-24, this report documents how rural young people pursue 'mixed livelihoods' to generate income, combining temporary and seasonal work in the informal and formal sectors by working for themselves and others, in household agricultural production, and on social and reproductive activities, such as looking after children, cooking
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This research highlights the absence of formal employment opportunities facing millions of young Africans, as well as the complexity they face in establishing sustainable and productive livelihoods. Drawing on research with young people from rural Ghana and Uganda aged 18-24, this report documents how rural young people pursue 'mixed livelihoods' to generate income, combining temporary and seasonal work in the informal and formal sectors by working for themselves and others, in household agricultural production, and on social and reproductive activities, such as looking after children, cooking and cleaning. Conducted using a diaries approach whereby young people met regularly with youth researchers over a year-long period, the research ensured a longitudinal understanding of livelihoods, cash flows, and the nature of rural work. This research cohort included more than 240 young people, evenly split between sexes. The inclusion of two countries allowed for the examination of similarities and differences across contexts and economies.
Findings include: (1) young people have diverse livelihoods; (2) agricultural production is central to rural young people's livelihoods, but agricultural incomes are meagre; (3) both formal and informal wage employment is rare and sporadic, or elusive; (4) entrepreneurship offers opportunity and risk; and (5) support networks are critical for young people. It is concluded that this research can inform decisions on how targeted interventions could improve the lives of millions of Africa's vulnerable young people.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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