Issue 29: November-December 2009

Working with youth
"Young people have proven themselves to be key partners in sustainable development," said Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, in his message to celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August this year. But despite their important role in development, youth are facing many challenges, especially those related to access to education, employment and financial services. The global economic downturn has worsened the already unfavourable situation. The lack of employment opportunities in rural areas means that young people are either unemployed or forced into informal, insecure and low-wage employment.
Read more


Microfinance helps young migrants explore development opportunities as they return to their rural homes in Chongqing, China
For young farmers living in the rural areas of Chongqing Municipality in China, migration to urban areas for off-farm employment has been one of the very few opportunities to earn additional income.
Read more

Rural youth help reverse rural-urban drift in a remote district in Fiji
Most remote rural communities in the Pacific have been crippled by the effects of massive rural-urban drift as young people leave to seek employment and a better life in towns and cities. Manasa Levaci, 27, was among this group of people a few years ago.
Read more

IFAD brings a smile to the faces of tribal youth of Jharkhand in India
This year, Karmu Soy and his friends from Jharkhand State of India join their village hockey team again. But this time, the spirit of the team is different than in the past. Anyone can see a smile and confidence on their faces.
Read more

Enhancing the skills of young people in Far Western Region of Nepal
The Skills Enhancement for Employment Project (2008-2010) is an ongoing initiative in Nepal funded by IFAD and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to increase the employment of youth living in Far Western Region of Nepal
Read more

Young indigenous professionals in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, work for coalition building for the future of their tribe
The Higaunon/Banwaon tribe places its hopes on the young indigenous peoples (IPs) to express the tribe's voice, play a role in decision making, and govern and shape the future of the tribe.
Read more

Young enough to know better: learning from Mahavilachchiya in Sri Lanka
Have you ever been told that you are old enough to know better? The assumption is that the older you are the more you know.around.
Read more

Other topics in this issue
- Looking to the future: the role of young talent in the rural world
- Occasional papers
- Upcoming events and missions