Resilient generation: supporting young people’s prospects for decent work in the drylands of East and West Africa

Africa’s east and west regions have some of the youngest populations globally, with under‑18s comprising nearly half of residents. While this demographic shift offers potential for labour markets, it also presents challenges in creating decent, climate‑resilient livelihoods, particularly in rural drylands.

These arid and semi‑arid areas face high climate variability, weak institutions, poor infrastructure, and limited market access, yet they are rich in cultural diversity and traditional knowledge. Climate change, conflict, and other shocks exacerbate risks for youth employment.

Despite opportunities in agriculture, pastoralism, renewable energy, tourism, and green technologies, few policies or programmes have targeted education, skills, and employment support for dryland youth. Gender, age, poverty, and intersecting identities further shape access to resources and opportunities.

Focusing on Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, and Mali, this report reviews current livelihood prospects, identifies research gaps, and recommends inclusive, gender‑responsive strategies to broaden opportunity windows for decent work in fragile dryland contexts.