Policy Thinking:
Youth & Conflict & Africa
Dr Nicole R Goldin
Senior Advisor
Mark Hannafin
Deputy Executive Secretary
Why a USAID Policy on Youth?
• Mission Demand
• Largest generation in history
• Dynamics of the Youth period
Conflict Lens in (forthcoming) USAID Youth Policy
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Policy is global, but relevance and applicability is contextual.
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Knowledge-based, but cognizant of evidence gaps
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Protection elements and considerations
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Inclusion and application in context and principles
Context
• Youth Bulge vs. Demographic Dividend
• Perpetrators and Victims
• Distorted Transitions
• Who are youth?
Principles
Overall trends in donor policy-making
• New Deal for Engagement in fragile states, increased
focus on aid effectiveness and demonstrating results.
• WDR 2011 “security, justice, jobs”
• USAID Policy Framework – specific objective
• There is a greater focus on “security” issues and
increased donor funding to “fragile” contexts.
• There is a renewed donor focus on “inclusive” and
agriculture-driven economic growth
• Risk taking and “do no harm” – increasing innovation and
experimentation
Youth-Conflict Awareness at USAID
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Analysis is crucial: Conflict and youth analyses provides a stronger
understanding as to how youth fit into the social construct
Myth-busting: Youth “bulges” do not lead inexorably to conflict,
however create special challenges and opportunities to societies.
Sustainable impact beyond peace building activities: Localized
youth engagement and training adds value, however absent structural
policy reform are not enough to prevent conflict or achieve peace
Formal and informal education for youth: Relevant and marketlinked vocational and skills training provides greater focus on local
economic recovery with youth among the key target groups.
Gender recognition: focusing on the specific needs of adolescent girls
and ensuring their participation—both to realize their rights and
because of the catalytic effect this can have on their families and
communities.
Conflict in Africa: Some Youth Approaches
• Côte d’Ivoire – Transition initiative program – a blend of media,
communications, reconciliation
• Somalia – Mobile phone technology for workforce development
– linking labor markets, trainings through SMS
• Morocco – Countering violent extremism – engaging youth in
prisons on soft skills development and mentoring
• Youth Map and Youth Innovation Fund – linking analysis to
grant opportunities for immediate impact