Women and young people in underserved communities often face multiple barriers to economic participation. Limited access to financial services, productive resources, business knowledge, markets and opportunities to participate in decision-making can make it difficult for them to build stable livelihoods.

These challenges can contribute to household vulnerability, dependence on informal and unstable sources of income, and limited opportunities for women and young people to shape their own economic future.

Development Corners supports women and youth to strengthen their capacity to participate in the local economy and develop more sustainable sources of income.

Our approach combines financial literacy, entrepreneurship development, leadership and business skills with practical support for savings, group organisation, business planning and livelihood development. We encourage participants to identify opportunities within their local context and to build enterprises and income-generating activities that can grow over time.

Where appropriate, the programme also connects participants with relevant institutions, services, technical support and market opportunities.

What we aim to achieve

We aim to increase the ability of women and young people to make informed financial decisions, develop viable livelihood activities, access economic opportunities and participate more confidently in household, community and economic decision-making.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to contribute to greater economic independence, stronger household resilience and more inclusive local economies.

Communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture, fishing, livestock and natural resources are increasingly affected by drought, changing rainfall patterns, water stress, declining productivity and environmental degradation. These pressures can reduce household income and food security while increasing vulnerability to future climate shocks.

Development Corners works with communities to strengthen livelihoods while promoting practices that protect and restore the natural resources on which those livelihoods depend.

Our approach brings together climate-smart agriculture and agroecological practices, livelihood diversification, water management, environmental restoration and practical knowledge. Depending on the local context, activities may include conservation agriculture, crop diversification, intercropping, mulching, integrated pest management, agroforestry, fish farming, value addition and other income-generating activities.

We also support communities to take part in environmental conservation through activities such as tree planting, wetland protection and restoration, while encouraging the use of locally relevant climate and weather information to improve planning and decision-making.

What we aim to achieve

We aim to help households develop more resilient and diversified livelihoods, improve food and income security, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and strengthen community stewardship of natural resources.

The programme seeks to demonstrate that economic security and environmental sustainability can be pursued together, enabling communities to adapt to a changing climate while protecting the ecosystems that support their lives and livelihoods.