Exploring the Effects of Livelihood Programs on Radicalization and Migration Among Youth in Somalia

Abstract

Somalia's prominent "youth bulge" presents both a significant opportunity for national reconstruction and a potential source of instability if left unaddressed. Persistently high youth unemployment, estimated at 60-70%, creates conditions of marginalization that render young people vulnerable to high-risk behaviors, including recruitment by extremist groups and engagement in perilous irregular migration. While numerous livelihood interventions have been implemented, a critical gap exists in understanding their effectiveness from the subjective perspective of the youth they are designed to serve. Current studies frequently center on quantitative results instead of the qualitative processes by which these programs impact individual decision-making. This paper presents a qualitative study to investigate this gap. The objective is to examine the perceived effects of youth livelihood programs on reducing the factors leading to radicalization and migration in urban Somalia. The anticipated results encompass a nuanced comprehension of efficient program elements and the formulation of actionable suggestions to guide the development of more youth-centered and contextually sensitive policies and interventions.