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

The Challenge

Northern Côte d’Ivoire, particularly the Tchologo region, has become a major destination for refugees fleeing violence and insecurity in neighbouring Burkina Faso. As of late 2024, more than 68,000 refugees had crossed the border, with over 23,000 of them settling in Tchologo alone. Most are women and children. These arrivals have put added pressure on already vulnerable host communities. Poverty is widespread as nearly 63% of people in the region live below the poverty line, and employment opportunities, especially for youth, are scarce.

At the same time, the region is struggling with the growing effects of climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have taken a toll on agriculture, the main source of income for most families. Traditional farming methods are no longer enough to support rural livelihoods. A new approach is urgently needed, one that can both boost economic opportunities and help communities adapt to the changing climate.

Our Solution: Green Jobs with Biochar

The ILO, with support from the Government of Japan, is launching this innovative project that connects climate action with job creation. It turns cotton stalks, which are normally agricultural waste, into opportunity:

• It traps carbon in the soil, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• It improves soil health, boosting productivity for farmers.
• It creates green jobs, especially for young women and men from both refugee and host communities.

© Anders Johnsson / ILO

© Anders Johnsson / ILO

The project will...

• Support the creation of 24 youth-run biochar business units (5 people each, aged 18–40)
• Ensure 40% women’s participation.
• Groups trained in biochar production, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
• Over 27,000 indirect beneficiaries, including cotton farmers and their families.

A Model of Inclusive Partnership

This project is made possible through funding by the Government of Japan, building on a shared commitment to:

• Promote peace and economic inclusion.
• Create green jobs for youth.
• Support innovation in agriculture.
• Involve Japanese institutions and private companies.
• Build lasting ties between Japan and Africa.

The project also aligns with Japan’s commitment under the TICAD 8 Tunis Declaration and contributes to its Women, Peace and Security agenda by prioritizing women’s economic inclusion.

Why Biochar?

• Improves soil health and crop yields.
• Reduces greenhouse gases.
• Creates income and business opportunities.
• Reinforces social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
• Empowers women and youth in rural areas.

© Anders Johnsson / ilo

© Anders Johnsson / ilo

Key outcomes

• 👥 120 youth trained and employed
• ♀️ 40% women ♂️ 60% men
• 🌿 1 ton of cotton stalks = up to 1 ton CO₂ captured
• 📈 Over 5,400 cotton farmers and their families reached
• 🌍 4 SDGs addressed: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

This project is proof that when we invest in young people, innovation, and inclusion, we plant the seeds of peace and prosperity.