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Unlocking youth opportunities in the forest sector: The role of green jobs in generating youth employment in Malawi

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  • Munthali, Maggie G.
  • Nankwenya, Bonface
  • Nyirenda, Zephania
  • Chilora, Lemekezani
  • Chiwaula, Levison
  • Chirombo, Baxton
  • Troosters, Wim

Abstract

Green jobs offer significant potential to address high youth unemployment rates in low-income countries. Utilising data from the 2023 Malawi Green Corps Survey, this study employed the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach to assess the impact of green jobs on the welfare of youths in Malawi. The study randomly sampled 989 youths (628 project beneficiaries and 361 non-beneficiaries) from 10 districts in Malawi. The findings reveal that the project successfully recruited 2027 youths into green jobs focused on forest, soil and water conservation. Further results indicate that participation in the project positively impacted the youth's income and entrepreneurship development. The estimations indicate an increase in the current income of the youths involved in green jobs by approximately MK108,000. The results also show that the project increased the proportion of youths engaged in businesses by 42 %, further strengthening the connection between green jobs and entrepreneurial development. Results further demonstrated the need for long-term planning of green jobs to have a meaningful impact on poverty reduction. These findings underscore the transformative potential of green jobs in providing decent employment opportunities for youths in Malawi. Consequently, this study recommends that the government and other stakeholders develop strategies and policies to effectively engage youths in the green sectors, ensuring sustainable development and economic resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Munthali, Maggie G. & Nankwenya, Bonface & Nyirenda, Zephania & Chilora, Lemekezani & Chiwaula, Levison & Chirombo, Baxton & Troosters, Wim, 2025. "Unlocking youth opportunities in the forest sector: The role of green jobs in generating youth employment in Malawi," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:179:y:2025:i:c:s1389934125002047
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103625
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