How can youth-focused interventions help to halt radicalization?

The Sahel is a region full of potential – with tremendous human capital, rich natural resources and substantial renewal energy opportunities. However, the region is plagued by insecurity that continues to affect the lives of many inhabitants. Armed groups proliferate in the Sahel and conflicts are persistent.  

In this fragile context, FAO continues to play an active role in the Alliance Sahel, whose members include development partners and international organizations. Through the support of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, FAO is developing sustainable actions that can contribute to building peace in the region.  

The Sahel is marked by a lack of economic prospects, and poor access to education, employment and essential services such as water and electricity. Youth are identified as being particularly at risk of radicalization, in part due to lack of opportunities. To ensure an effective approach in its interventions, FAO has joined forces with the London-based global affairs think tank Overseas Development Institute (ODI) to study the intersection between socio-economic conditions and youth radicalization in the G5 Sahel countries.  

In February, FAO and the ODI presented the results of the analysis, which will serve to guide interventions in the region over the coming years, including the ongoing project of Building resilience in the Sahel region through job creation for youth – Bridging the humanitarian-development nexus in the context of fragility. The dialogue that took place made it possible to place FAO's contribution in a broader technical and political context, where gender or youth dimensions were addressed from a grounded point of view.

During the presentation, speakers including the Deputy Director of FAO’s Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, Lauren Phillips, explored the determinants and consequences of the lack of opportunities and the frustration of young people. “Increased inclusivity through creating opportunities for youth in the Sahel will contribute to stability and development in the region,” she said. Inclusivity in this context is linked to aspects such as reliable land tenure, education and training, as well as job opportunities.

You can read more about the event here.

You can read more about FAO’s work on decent rural employment here.