Jason Wolfe (USAID) and Radha Rajkotia (IRC) are researching and writing an “open paper” aimed at outlining how the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and the Value Chain Approach can be used to improve the lives of youth affected by conflict. The open paper approach welcomes community input and feedback throughout the writing process – click here for more information. This post outlines the goals and structure of the paper.

Having decided to write about how sustainable livelihoods approaches and value chain approaches can be integrated for youth in conflict, we are left with a tough and intimidating question - how can sustainable livelihoods approaches and value chains be integrated for youth in conflict?

Radha Rajkotia (IRC) and Jason Wolfe (USAID/MD) announce the launch of an open paper on economic strengthening approaches for youth in conflict, and invite you to participate in creating it.

A few months ago, we gave a joint presentation to the Washington Network on Children in Armed Conflict to examine the relative merits of applying sustainable livelihoods and value chain approaches to the needs of unemployed youth in conflict-affected environments. We found the discussion and interaction fascinating, and others seemed to be interested in both what we had to say as well as the questions we thought remained to be answered. In the afterglow of this event, the CYES folks somehow talked us into taking our collaboration forward and writing a paper exploring economic approaches for youth in conflict.