The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Government of Japan, has launched an innovative project in northern Côte d’Ivoire that is leveraging biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people. The initiative, titled “Green Jobs for Youth,” addresses both environmental challenges and the need for economic inclusion, particularly among refugee and host communities in the region.

The core of the project involves transforming agricultural waste, specifically cotton stalks, into biochar. This process provides a solution for a common waste problem while simultaneously creating a valuable product. The biochar is then used to improve soil health, a critical benefit for the region’s agricultural sector. By enhancing soil fertility, the project helps boost crop productivity for local farmers, creating a positive feedback loop that strengthens the rural economy.

A central component of the initiative is the creation of 24 youth-run biochar business units, each composed of five young people aged 18 to 40. Participants will receive hands-on training in biochar production, entrepreneurship, and marketing, empowering them to establish and manage their own sustainable businesses. The project has a strong focus on gender equality, with a target of 40% female participation. This integrated approach not only provides skills and jobs but also reinforces social cohesion by encouraging collaboration between different community groups. This project highlights a compelling model for how biochar technology can be a catalyst for both climate action and socioeconomic development in vulnerable communities.

SOURCE: Green Jobs for Youth to Respond to the Refugee Crisis in Northern Côte d’Ivoire