The Future of Work in Agri-Food Systems

As countries develop, agriculture’s role as domestic employer declines. But the broader agri-food system also expands, and the scope for agriculture-related job creation shifts beyond the farm. Historically, technological revolutions have shaped, and have been shaped by, these dynamics. Today, a digital revolution is taking hold. In this process of structural transformation, societies evolve from…

Broadband Access Spurs Jobs in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Internet cafe in the neighborhood of Nyamirambo in Kigali, Rwanda. (Sarah Farhat/ World Bank) By Aparna Krishnamurthy, Namita Datta, Georges V. Houngbonon, Todd Cotts Broadband (or high-speed) internet access plays a major role in economic growth and job creation. COVID-19 has accelerated the transition to home-based work, reinforcing the need for broadband connectivity. A recent World…

Youth-led solutions during COVID-19: Harnessing social media

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many young people around the globe have been working remotely, schools have moved to online platforms, and social distancing continues to be in effect. This means it’s essential that organizations maximize the use of social media as a platform to adapt to the crisis. Social media has been used by young people to raise awareness about coronavirus containment and suppression measures, to coordinate the logistics of relief efforts for people in isolation, and to raise funds for emergency workers.

Youth-led solutions during COVID-19: Health care

Authors: KAVELL JOSEPH Original post The World Bank Group has been helping countries reinforce their health infrastructure and bolster economic recovery during the pandemic. The Bank’s health response addresses emergency containment and mitigation needs for the coronavirus (COVID-19), including strengthening countries’ health systems to treat severe cases and save lives. Many members of the Bank-supported…

Youth-led Solutions During COVID-19: The food Crisis

Local farmers in Kenya. Photo: © Ujuzi Kilimo Solutions Authors:KAVELL JOSEPH Original post As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic unfolds, disruptions in domestic food supply chains and other shocks affecting food production have created food security risks in many countries. The latest estimates by the UN’s World Food Programme show that 265 million people could be…

The future of work in cities

By JAVIER SANCHEZ-REAZA There is no doubt that technology is improving our daily lives. We ask Siri to set the alarm for us, let Spotify guide us through a gym session, and rely on Waze to navigate the city. What is less obvious is how technology is also on the brink of completely reshaping our…

3 Ways to Build Lasting Apprenticeship Programs

Authors: NAMITA DATTA APARNA KRISHNAMURTHY NAZRENE MANNIE The lack of a sufficiently skilled workforce remains a significant challenge in the labor market. Around the world, employers say that schools and universities aren’t preparing students well enough for the workforce. How can employers work with schooling and post-schooling systems to design curricula that align with labor market needs?  Employers could benefit…

3 Ways the private sector is stimulating agri-preneurship

Authors: APARNA KRISHNAMURTHY NIRAJ H. SHAH HANS JOEHR   Conventional wisdom tells us that young people are fleeing agriculture to seek opportunities in urban centers. While that is largely true, agriculture remains a primary source of employment for youth in many developing countries. Studies show that the absolute number of young African farmers is expected to rise…