Promoting social cohesion through economic inclusion and job creation for refugees and host communities in the moughataa of Bassikounou.

In close collaboration with UNHCR, ILO has carried out three essential studies, regarding the challenges and the socio-economic needs for the district and recommendations on which the present proposal is based: The first one is an identification of economic opportunities for refugee and host populations through value chains analysis, and the second is an environmental and territorial challenges and projections analysis for the moughataa of Bassikounou. The third one was realized in close collaboration with WFP and the national authorities regarding territorial planning and the priorities in terms of investment. The present proposal is grounded on a market and environmental based approach taking into account these studies. To address the lack of economic opportunities and promote employment for the refugees and host population, the ILO will operationalize and manage a vocational training platform in partnership with the National Directorate of TVET improving skills and practices in six specific value chains, selected for their high decent work creation potential and their environmental risks mitigation ability. To ensure job creation, enterprises and professionals in these value chains will benefit from tailored support to develop their production and trade operations, while the project will also reinforce a Business Development Services network and the scaling up of its activities. Finally, the issue of resources and sustainable preservation of the environment is crucial for social cohesion as well as for the household economy, as most host and refugee populations depend on livestock as their main economic activity and food resource. Therefore, the project will develop green economy interventions in partnership with the National Directorate of Habitat and the National Directorate of Climate and Green Economy, including the development and promotion of a social eco-habitat product, the construction of 50 bio digesters for 48 households and 2 school kitchens for the provision of school meals over the three-year project, the rehabilitation of hydro-agricultural and educational infrastructures, and the reforestation of agricultural areas. ILO offers a comprehensive approach under a multiannual strategy by acknowledging the need to strengthen the impact and sustainability of livelihood programs and to achieve holistic solutions for refugees and host communities through a combination of synergetic interventions in the areas of education, employment, environmental preservation, and social cohesion. The project will focus on creating the enabling environment for the economic empowerment of refugee and host communities through conflict-sensitive market-based livelihood and employment interventions as well as green infrastructure constructions. Based on the value chains analysis, the local environmental analysis, the impact study on the refugee camp for the region, and the local professional organizations diagnosis conducted by ILO, as well as the ILO programs in the moughataa, the project will specifically focus on three areas: -Improve the vocational training offer adapted to vulnerable populations, in close collaboration with the National Directorate of TVET and private operators, through the development of a platform providing initial and continuing training in 6 value chains (eco-construction, meat products, leather and textile confection, gardening and fodder production) and social cohesion skills. This intervention will highlight the importance of the public private partnerships. -Foster a sustainable offer of Business Development Services (BDS) and labor market integration services adapted to the needs of vulnerable populations in a conflict-sensitive manner, in particular women, in close collaboration with BDS providers and the National Agency of Employment (TECHGHIL) with identified professional organizations and the beneficiaries of the project. -Promote green jobs and business opportunities in the green economy and works

Project symbol

MRT/23/01/USA

Admin unit

CO-Algiers

Start date

01/09/2023

End date

30/11/2024

Total allocation

181583

Total expenditure

Status

Active

181583

Development Partners

USA, Department of State

Country/Countries

Mauritania

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work