From Training to Self-Employment: Evidence from Youth Agricultural Programmes in Cameroon and Madagascar

Emanuele Zucchini, Sadania, Clémentine, Susan Steiner (), Alessandro Rossi, Athur Mabiso, Robinson Toguem and Andrea Mastroeni
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Emanuele Zucchini: Food and Agriculture Organisation
Sadania, Clémentine: rowsquared
Susan Steiner: rowsquared
Alessandro Rossi: International Fund for Agricultural Development
Athur Mabiso: International Fund for Agricultural Development
Robinson Toguem: International Fund for Agricultural Development
Andrea Mastroeni: University of Rome Tor Vergata

No 18713, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: Youth employment remains a critical issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the impact of two large-scale governmental programmes in Cameroon and Madagascar that aim to promote self-employment in agriculture. Youth participated in vocational training and received technical support, inputs and mentoring to engage in crop, livestock or non-farming agricultural activities. We employ a quasi-experimental design to estimate the impact on the income of youth-led activities, and we address the limitations associated with such designs by carefully constructing a counterfactual. Our findings indicate that these integrated training and livelihoods programmes significantly enhance income from the targeted activities. We highlight the importance of providing regular support for participants during and after programme implementation.

Keywords: integrated training and livelihood programmes; youth employment; agriculture; impact evaluation; Sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D04 J43 O12 O55 Q12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
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