Introduction

Job creation for youth and women in rural areas is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. With over 70% of the population living in rural communities, unemployment and underemployment remain pressing challenges. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024, the unemployment rate in rural areas stood at 12.3%, while youth unemployment reached 20.5%. Informal employment dominates the labor market, accounting for 90.4% of total jobs, with women disproportionately represented at 91.6% compared to men at 89.3% (Labour Force Survey 2024).

The Challenge of Rural Employment

Rural communities largely depend on subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate shocks and market fluctuations. Based on the FAO report on rural youth employment, underemployment and working poverty remain more significant challenges than unemployment, with 30% of employed people affected by time-related underemployment. Women face additional barriers, including unpaid care work averaging 7 hours per day, compared to men’s 2.1 hours (UN Women).

RODI’s Approach to Job Creation

At Rwanda Organization for Development Initiatives (RODI), job creation is central to our mission of improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development. Our Livelihood and Rural Development and Youth and Women Empowerment programs focus on:

• Technical and Vocational Training: Equipping youth and women with practical skills in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and value addition.
• Income-Generating Activities (IGAs): Supporting rural entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses through mentorship and business development services.
• Market and Finance Access: Linking rural producers to markets and facilitating savings groups for credit access.
• Mindset Change: Promoting innovation and self-reliance among rural youth and women.

Partnerships for Greater Impact

Collaboration is key to scaling impact. RODI works with partners such as World Vision, USAID, and Caritas Rwanda to implement transformative projects:

• Kora Wigire (Work for Self-Reliance) – Poverty Alleviation Coalition (PAC): In partnership with World Vision and Caritas Rwanda, this project uses the Ultra-Poor Graduation model to support 3,800 vulnerable households with financial support, training, and mentorship (World Vision Rwanda).
• Business Development Support Services (BDS): This program provides structured entrepreneurship and financial management training to youth in Karongi, Rutsiro, and Nyamasheke, aiming to create at least two jobs per trainee.
• MFASHA KWIFASHA HUGUKA DUKORE AKAZI KANOZE: This initiative equips vulnerable youth with market-relevant skills and work readiness, aligning with Rwanda’s national employment strategies (Ministry of Youth and Culture).

Impact on Communities

From 2019 to 2024, RODI’s programs have:

• Benefited over 40,000 individuals across multiple districts (RODI Impact Report).
• Established 518 savings groups, enabling access to financial resources.
• Supported the creation of micro and small enterprises in rural areas.
• Enhanced food security and nutrition through integrated livelihood programs.

According to Vision 2050, Rwanda aims to become a high-income country by 2050, with employment creation as a key pillar. The government targets 1.25 million new jobs by 2029 under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) (Kigali Times). RODI is committed to contributing to this vision by:

• Scaling up vocational and entrepreneurship training for rural youth and women.
• Strengthening partnerships with government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners.
• Leveraging technology and innovation to improve market access and financial inclusion.

Conclusion

Job creation for youth and women in rural Rwanda is not just an economic necessity—it is a pathway to equity, resilience, and sustainable development. At RODI, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey, partnering with like-minded organizations to empower communities and build a prosperous Rwanda for all.

References

• Informal Employment Statistics – NISR: https://alpha.statistics.gov.rw/data-sources/surveys/Labour-Force-Survey/labour-force-survey-2024/labour-force-survey-annual-report-2024
• FAO: Rural Youth Employment and Agri-Food Systems: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a505fd5e-0a31-4bbc-827a-930483ff47e1/content
• UN Women: Investing in Women’s Economic Empowerment: https://africa.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2024/03/investing-in-womens-safety-and-economic-empowerment-in-rwanda
• Vision 2050 – Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning: https://www.minecofin.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Minecofin/Publications/REPORTS/National_Development_Planning_and_Research/Vision_2050/English-Vision_2050_Abridged_version_WEB_Final.pdf
• NST2 Job Creation Targets – Kigali Times: https://www.kigalitimes.rw/2024/09/10/rwanda-sets-ambitious-target-to-create-1-25-million-jobs-by-2029/