This qualitative in-depth research project by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and UNESCO aims to improve employment prospects for youth, especially young women by analysing how learning outside school can contribute to developing agricultural knowledge and skills.

The IFAD-UNESCO project will explore the status of skills development programmes in rural areas in three countries: Egypt, Ethiopia and Cambodia, to understand how young people have acquired knowledge in formal, non-formal and informal settings.

Linking literacy, learning and skills development, the project will use a strong participatory approach in the research. The focus is on learning rather than teaching and particular attention will be given to the views of young people. 

A great number of unemployed youth live in agrarian societies and rural areas. Sustainable employment opportunities in agriculture for youth are a growing concern. Understanding how future farmers acquire knowledge and skills is critical in forming responses to rural poverty and food security. The neglect of agriculture in national budgets, policies and investment is often compounded by inadequate education systems.

The knowledge gained through this project is expected to point to new ways of promoting rural employment, reinforce policy dialogue on the role of education for rural development, and ultimately contribute to sustainable rural development and poverty reduction. More