Boosting Rural Youth Employment through Agribusiness Innovation in Kenya & Cameroon
The JOY Project
The JOY Project is a 3-year initiative implemented by PROCASUR in partnership with ILO, USTADI (Kenya), and AGRO-PME (Cameroon), aimed at creating decent employment for youth in rural areas. In Kenya, CoELIB leads the effort by coordinating Integrated Agribusiness Hubs in Nakuru, Kakamega, and Kilifi Counties, offering innovative financial and non-financial services to youth aged 18–35.
Challenges Addressed
Youth Unemployment
Limited formal job opportunities in rural areas.
Lack of Skills & Access
Barriers to training, funding, and support services.
Negative Perceptions
Agriculture viewed as low-potential and unattractive to youth.
CoELIB’s Strategic Involvement
CoELIB is the Principal Hub for Kenya, coordinating activities across the Satellite Hubs in Kilifi (Pwani University), Kakamega (Shamberere TTI), and Nakuru. Our core functions include:
- Business modeling and entrepreneurship support
- Research, development, and rural youth outreach
- Mentorship and coaching using an integrated approach
- Support in technology adoption and enterprise scaling
- Promotion of Non-Conventional Renewable Energy adoption
Program Activities & Outcomes
How Youth Are Empowered
- Mentorship and coaching through a network of Agribusiness Hubs
- Strengthened agri-entrepreneurship and access to shared facilities
- Expanded access to innovative farming and business technologies
- Youth-to-youth learning and knowledge exchange
- Promotion of nutrition awareness and local food systems
- Improved environment for rural youth enterprise development
- Support for renewable energy adoption in rural businesses
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Jobs Created via Enterprise Development
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Youth Connected to Wage Employment
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Youth Supported in Enterprise Startups
