Policy highlights:

  • In this infographic the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF bust five myths about provision of cash transfers to poor households in developing countries. These include:
  • Cash will be wasted on alcohol and tobacco > Across 6 countries, no evidence was found of increased expenditure on alcohol and tobacco.

 

  • Transfers are just a ‘hand-out’ and do not contribute to development > Research shows cash transfers led to increases in farmland; in the use of seeds, fertilizer and hired labor; in overall production (36%); and in secondary school enrolment and spending on school uniforms and shoes.
  • Cash causes dependency, laziness > Research finds that cash transfers have positive multiplier effects in local economies and significantly boost growth, productive activities and development in rural areas.
  • Transfers lead to price inflation and disrupt local economy > In 6 case study countries no inflation was detected and cash transferred by the programme yielded profits for local economies
  • Child-focused grants increase fertility > No impact on fertility was found and in three countries early pregnancy was significantly reduced.

Related items

Infographic: How to Make Plastic Waste Work for Green & Decent Jobs for Youth in Africa

Plastic waste recycling presents an opportunity to create sustainable jobs while benefiting the environment. But the question remains, how can stakeholders contribute to a conducive waste recycling ecosystem, unlocking its green job potential among Africa’s youth? We are excited to present an infographic showcasing the pathways and recommendations for Green & Decent Jobs for Youth in Africa.

Closing the loop: 3 barriers to decent youth employment in Africa’s waste management sector

This blog is part of a research project on the opportunities for decent work for youth in Africa’s Waste Recycling Sector, in collaboration with the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE). Waste management in Africa is a major challenge for sustainable and inclusive development. Due to poor management, 90% of the waste generated in Africa is disposed of in landfills and uncontrolled dumpsites with severe consequences for the environment and people working in the waste management sector.

Green jobs & the future of work in Africa: the story of Olivia Onyemaobi and Pad-Up Creations

In this video, we present the story of Olivia Onyemaobi, Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Pad-Up Creations, a social enterprise producing affordable and eco-friendly sanitary pads in partnership with CFYE.

Inclusive Youth Agripreneurship in Africa: A New Report and a Comprehensive Policy Brief on Advancing Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture

The Inclusive Youth Agripreneurship in Africa research project is a joint venture between The Broker and two Dutch knowledge platforms, the Netherlands Food Partnership and INCLUDE. The project's goal is to strengthen the existing research on best practices for youth agripreneurship programs and policies, catalyzing action from policymakers and youth organizations alike. The project was finalized with two innovative knowledge products, both of which are now available for download.

Digital Skills for Youth Employment in Africa

Digitalisation and technological advancements are changing the world of work and the skills needed for employment. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone an estimated 230 million jobs will require digital skills within the next decade offering employment opportunities for its ever growing youth population. However, young people in Africa face several barriers that prevent them to obtain the types of skills required for employment. The evidence synthesis paper published by INCLUDE explores the challenges and opportunities of this digital transformation and presents recommendations of how to equip Africa’s youth for the future of work.

+3
By Ruth van de Velde +3 more