AFRICA’S YOUTH BULGE NOT A CURE-ALL, BOOK SHOWS

FINDINGS of a new book on the “youth bulge” in Africa show a rapidly growing young population on the continent, presenting an opportunity to generate inclusive development that will benefit African countries. The book, Youth and Jobs in Rural Africa: Beyond Stylised Facts, focuses on rural Africa, where most of the world’s poor population lives, and the participation of youth in agricultural transformation also helps fill an important gap in current literature. Co-authored by senior researchers at the International Food Policy Research Institute, Valerie Mueller and James Thurlow, the book challenges some of the myths that underpin the prevailing narratives and policy debates about youth employment in rural Africa. The continent’s “youth bulge” is neither the unprecedented population shift prompting concern among some policymakers, nor its saving grace as some hope it might be. The book presents case studies examining migration, political participation, and other themes, as well as specific experiences in five countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal and Tanzania), allowing it to reflect the wide variations within African countries. “Africa’s fast-growing youth population has prompted worries about high unemployment and unrest among some, while others expect young people to provide the digital know-how and entrepreneurial spirit needed to transform Africa,” James Thurlow said. “Our book finds fault in both these narratives, and suggests that rather than focusing on the youth, the best course for African countries is to promote inclusive growth that benefits young and old alike.”

| African News Agency (ANA)