The Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) is an action research initiative designed to address the reintegration of returnees into society while also addressing unemployment among rural youths in Oyo State, Nigeria. The Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) is a comprehensive initiative designed to address rural youth unemployment, reintegration of returnees, irregular migration, and enhance rural development by empowering Nigerian youth through climate smart and sustainable agricultural opportunities. YERP integrates Action Research and Project Interventions to create a cohesive strategy that not only promotes youth employment but also evaluates the long-term sustainability and impact of interventions. The project aims to empower 1,000 young Nigerians, providing them with land ownership, agricultural training, and market development support, while also addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.
Summary
The proposed project focuses on the interconnections between youth unemployment, rural-to-urban movement, and irregular migration towards North Africa and Europe. It explores how land ownership and agricultural training can address these challenges by creating viable local livelihood options, reducing the need for risky migration.
Notwithstanding rapid economic transformation and urban population growth observed over the past several decades, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains predominantly rural. Notably, Africa stands as the only region globally where the rural population, particularly the number of rural youths, is projected to continue expanding beyond 2050 (United Nations, 2017). Agriculture still serves as a primary source of income for the majority of the rural population in the region (Davis et al., 2017; Yeboah and Jayne, 2018).
The escalating trend of youth migration in Nigeria, both from rural to urban areas and internationally, signals a deep-seated crisis that requires immediate intervention. The root causes of this phenomenon are multifaceted, but a significant factor is the lack of viable economic opportunities in rural areas, especially in agriculture. Addressing these root causes is not only critical for the well-being of these youths but also for the overall socio-economic stability of the country.
Engaging returnees and local youth in agriculture is not merely about providing jobs; it's about creating a sustainable future for rural communities and the nation at large. This engagement can act as a catalyst for a series of positive developments, including technological advancement in agriculture, increased local food production, and the revitalization of rural economies. It can also provide a compelling alternative to the risky and often fruitless pursuit of opportunities in urban centres or foreign countries.