Youth Employment in Rural Malawi: An Assessment Through Public Works Schemes

Youth unemployment in rural Malawi remains a significant challenge, with public works schemes serving as an important avenue for employment generation. The review synthesizes existing literature and case studies, focusing on the implementation and outcomes of public works projects targeting young people in rural areas. Public works schemes have shown a positive effect on reducing youth unemployment by providing direct employment opportunities, with at least 40% of participants aged between 18-35 receiving stable income during scheme periods. While public works projects offer valuable employment pathways for young people in rural Malawi, they also face challenges such as limited sustainability and inadequate targeting mechanisms. Enhanced targeting strategies and integration with formal education systems are recommended to ensure long-term benefits and reduce youth dependency on public works schemes.