Cuso International

Purpose

The project aims to increase sustainable economic growth and prosperity for women, men and children in Cross River State, by increasing job opportunities and entrepreneurial capacities of youth. The state is home to more than one million youth, out of a population of 3.4 million, and has a youth unemployment rate of 45%. The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of government policy makers, civil society organizations working with youth, and formal and informal technical vocational training institutions, to work together in a coordinated manner to increase employment, self-employment and secure livelihoods based on natural resources. The project works in all 18 local government areas of the state to produce the conditions needed to develop an economy based on efficient management of forests, agriculture and fisheries. Project activities include training 12,000 young people in entrepreneurship and creating 5,000 youth-owned micro and small enterprises. Project partners include the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team.