Kefeta

USAID Integrated Youth Activity (IYA)

Quick Facts:

It is a 5-year (September 2021- August 2026), $60 million initiative aimed at empowering Ethiopian youth (ages 15-29) to advance their economic, civic, and social development, with a focus on 18 urban cities. Kefeta works with a consortium of international and local NGOs, including Amref Health Africa, to implement the program.

YCDF Geographic Coverage:

Through our Integrated Youth Activity (IYA) – Kefeta Project as a member of the consortium YCDF implements in three cities (Shasemene, Dila and Hawassa) of the south cluster.

Developmental Objectives:

Starting with the formation of youth coalitions and networks and setting up a youth-led Youth Empowerment Fund, Kefeta works towards empowering youth to advance their own economic, civic, and social development.

Our Key Result Areas:

18,782 Support for Greater Youth Voice and Governance and Civic Affairs Achieved

64,533 New Youth Economic Opportunities Created

87,435 Youth Access to Essential Services that are More Youth Friendly Increased

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Active Citizens

is a social leadership skill training program that promote intercultural dialogue and community-led social development.

No to Gender-based school related violence

In Ethiopia SRGBV problem continues to deepen in recent years. It is one such problem that is creating tension . . . . .

Peace Education and Human Rights

Youth-led Peace Dialogue Initiative - Learning to Live Together

Social Enterprise Development

Quick Facts:

Involve school community gardens, training programs, mentorship, and access to resources, fostering sustainable agri-business practices (fattening, poultry unit and modern beehives) and entrepreneurial skills to address food security and create employment.

Target Group:

This youth-led agribusiness project is intended to drive young people (18-30) into getting more interested in agribusiness. YCDF provides different youth initiative agribusiness skills training on how young people with or without exposure to agriculture can change their mindset about agribusiness and embrace it as a means of livelihood, as well as to support sustainable food systems.

What are Strategic Priorities

For successful youth-led agribusiness, strategic priorities include:

  1. Capacity Building and Skill Development: equipping youth with the necessary agribusiness skills training; developing entrepreneurial skills and mindset, offering multi-track vocational education programs; ensuring youth have the knowledge and skills to take part in policy development and decision-making in the agribusiness sector.
  2. Access and Enabling Environment: facilitating access to land, either through ownership or lease agreements; providing access to finance, including credit, grants, and investment opportunities; encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies and practices; ensuring access to markets, both local, regional and international; improving infrastructure facilities to enhance the competitiveness of youth-led agribusinesses.
  3. Fostering a Youth-Centric Approach: ensuring inclusivity to address the needs and interests of young people; actively involving youth in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agribusiness initiatives; creating platforms for youth to connect with each other, share experiences, and collaborate on projects; connecting young entrepreneurs for guidance, mentorship and support; and, advocating for policies and regulations that support youth-led agribusiness and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.