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How NCA enables job creation
Being economically independent gives people the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities. That is why NCA works to enable job creation and sustainable livelihoods. Here is how.
Conflict and high prices makes living difficult in Lebanon, but Rabiha Mohammed makes a living by grow her own food. Photo: Håvard Hovdhaugen
Supporting people in creating a livelihood is a key part of Norwegian Church Aid's work.
Below is an overview of how NCA works on this issue.
Why is job creation so important?
"Work and income are among the most effective pathways out of poverty," says Tshegofatso Kgomotso Nesvåg, senior advisor on economic development and food security in NCA.
" When people have access to employment, business opportunities, and markets, they can provide for their families, invest in education and health, build savings, and become less dependent on aid. Job creation also strengthens local economies and makes communities more resilient to economic, climate, and conflict-related shocks," says Nesvåg.
For many of the people NCA works with, the goal is not simply to secure a job in the traditional sense. It is about building sustainable livelihoods through small businesses, agriculture, value chain development and access to financial services.
Our role: enabler, not employer
We support vulnerable women, men and young people by providing training and skills development, financing and market access so they can generate an income.
"This may include agriculture, reuse and recycling, entrepreneurship, or access to financial services. Regardless of the sector, the goal is the same: enabling people to earn a dignified income, build resilience, and create a better future for themselves and their communities, says Nesvåg.
What kinds of livelihood does NCA help create?
This varies from country to country and depends on the local context, but includes:
- Small-scale farming and food production, including vegetable cultivation and horticulture.
Through a multi-country programme, 23,744 farmers increased their incomes through value addition and improved market access. Support for smallholder farmers is provided in many of the countries where NCA operates.
Example: Became self-sufficient with a green house in Lebanon. Read the story here
- Livestock production and agricultural processing
Example: Beekeeping as a lifeline in Lebanon. Read the story here.
- Waste management, recycling and circular economy enterprises
Example: The “Waste for Value” project was first developed in refugee camps in Ethiopia and has since expanded to several countries, including Tanzania and Pakistan. Women and young people establish and run businesses that collect, sort and sell recyclable materials.
How Waste for Value startet: Read the story here.
Nyaluak fled from South Sudan to Ethiopia. Now she earns a living by collecting rubbish. Read the story here.
- Youth-led agribusinesses and agricultural service enterprises
Example: Pakistan:Started with nothing, now he leads 1.480. Read the story here
- Small service businesses and microenterprises
Example: Khadija in Pakistan runs her own business. Read the story here
- Women-led businesses such as soap production, food processing and local trade
Example: The lack of soap became an increasing problem in the refugee camp in Gambella, Ethiopia. Now the refugees earn money by making soap, and the population has access to cheap soap. Read the story here
How does it change people's lives?
Higher incomes and greater economic opportunities enable people to:
- Meet basic needs such as food, healthcare and education.
- Better withstand economic crises, climate change and conflict.
- Save money and invest in products or businesses.
- Become more self-reliant and gain greater influence within their households and communities.
- Contribute to local economic development and create opportunities for others.
"For women, economic empowerment often means greater financial independence and stronger influence over decisions in the household. For young people, it provides a real alternative to unemployment and economic exclusion," says Tshegofatso Kgomotso Nesvåg.
How does NCA work to reduce inequality?
Creating jobs is an important tool for reducing poverty, but job creation alone will not reduce inequality, explains Silje Ander, Thematic Advisor on Inequality at NCA.
“Economic growth and new jobs do not automatically benefit the entire population. If jobs are insecure or poorly paid, if profits leave the country, or if governments do not have sufficient revenues to fund healthcare, education, and other essential public services, poverty and inequality can persist, or even increase,” says Silje Ander.
That is why NCA works not only to create more jobs, but also to change the structures that perpetuate poverty and inequality.
This is what NCA does:
- Works to ensure that the wealth generated through investments benefits local populations through transparency, fair tax systems, responsible resource management, and increased public revenues for healthcare, education, and other essential services.
Example: NCA is working to achieve a UN Tax Convention. Read more here
- Strengthens the ability of local communities to hold companies and governments accountable for how resources are managed and for the impact investments have on people and the environment.
- Supports efforts to promote workers’ rights and decent work in sectors where people are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Example: Temwa flexes muscles against the mining company. Read the story here.
“The goal is to create jobs that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development. It is not only about how many jobs are created, but whether those jobs are decent, whether local businesses are strengthened, and whether the value generated benefits local communities and society. That is why Norwegian Church Aid works on job creation, workers’ rights, and greater accountability from governments and companies,” says Silje Ander.
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