• "Sahel Opportunities II" to train 4,175 youth, 2025–2028.

• Focus on agroecology, gender parity, and youth employment.

• Aims to boost food security and rural development in Sahel.

Following the latest annual meeting of the "SustainSahel" project in Dakar in May 2025, partners organized a two-day public event focused on agroforestry in the Sahel. As reported by the project's official website last week, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers presented recent advancements in sustainable agricultural practices resilient to climate change. The gathering highlighted the need to link scientific expertise with training and professional integration to boost youth employment and agricultural sustainability in the region.

This context provides a backdrop for the "Sahel Opportunities II" project. Launched in November 2024, it is the second phase of a regional initiative led by Swisscontact, with support from the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The program, running from 2025 to 2028, aims to train young people and agricultural producers by integrating agroecology and sustainability.

The organizers state their goal is to train 4,175 young people and producers, with a strict 50/50 gender balance, guiding them toward profitable agricultural activities and transferable skills. Approximately 400 trainers will also be prepared to teach agroecological knowledge and innovative practices, ensuring the project's continuity.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), nearly 64% of the Sahel's population was under 25 in 2023. However, the World Bank estimates that about one-third of young people in the central Sahel are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

At the same time, the Sahel Alliance reports that agriculture and livestock farming account for 40% of the region's GDP and employ between 60% and 80% of the workforce. Despite this, agricultural production does not fully meet food needs. This imbalance heightens vulnerability and underscores the importance of vocational training as a lever for integration and food security.

The anticipated impact of "Sahel Opportunities II" goes beyond simple skill acquisition. Creating professional opportunities and integrating young people are among the direct outcomes. The full gender parity will also strengthen women's participation in the agricultural and rural sectors.

The project intends to leverage the dissemination of proven agroecological practices and the consolidation of local value chains to improve productivity and food security. Each trained youth is expected to become an agent of change, contributing to the sustainability of rural communities.

Beyond measurable results, "Sahel Opportunities II" is designed as an integrated model of rural development and vocational training. It is part of a regional ecosystem where science, training, and economic integration converge to enhance youth employability by creating tangible opportunities. In a context defined by a youthful population and climate pressure, the project illustrates how to transform demographic potential into a driver of sustainable development.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou