Research Series Issue 52: Information and communication technologies and rural youth

Rural youth face particular constraints in terms of labour market participation, including smaller social networks, low literacy rates, less work experience and limited access to capital.

Youth employment programmes have the potential to address these constraints, but they are often characterized by low enrolment, high dropout and uncertain returns. While the growth of digital technology offers new opportunities to address some of the issues associated with youth employment, research on their impacts is limited and results are mixed.

This analysis reviews existing research on the impact of digital initiatives on youth in the education, agriculture, financial and employment sectors.