The presence of young people in rural areas is vital for the stabilisation and development of these regions. Making up approximately 20 percent of developing countries' populations, they form a large group with great potential. Yet, for many reasons young people are increasingly leaving their rural homes. If this trend is to be reversed, strong incentives will be needed. This article looks at three possible approaches: the delivery of youth services, participation in community decision-making and the facilitation of youth entrepreneurship.

Britt Kalla and Tina Silbernagl
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
Sector Project ''Implementation of Children and Youth Rights''
Eschborn, Germany
youth@gtz.de