世界发展银行-Job-Outcomes-in-the-Towns-of-South-Sudan---Jobs,-Recovery,-and-Peacebuilding-in-Urban-South-Sudan---Technical-Report-I_64页_2mb

Summary of "Job Outcomes in the Towns of South Sudan: Jobs, Recovery, and Peacebuilding in Urban South Sudan - Technical Report I"

Core Content

This technical report examines job outcomes in the towns of South Sudan, focusing on urban livelihoods, employment patterns, and the challenges faced by displaced populations. It is part of a series of studies on urban jobs, with companion reports analyzing the macroeconomic environment, market-linked agriculture, and jobs in businesses and NGOs. The report highlights the impact of conflict on employment and poverty, and outlines policy implications for job recovery and peacebuilding.

Key Findings

Poverty and Education

• High Poverty Rates: Over 70% of non-displaced urban residents and 90% of IDPs in Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites live in poverty.
• Education Levels: About 70% of workers have at least some formal schooling, with 30% having more than primary education. Young workers are more likely to have some education than older peers.
• Educational Disruption: Conflict has severely impacted access to education, with one in three primary-age children estimated to be out of school even in urban areas.

Labor Market Characteristics

• Low Productivity: Most job activities in South Sudanese towns are low-productivity own-account activities in agriculture and services.
• Employment Patterns: Over 46% of workers are self-employed, 27% support household-run business activities, and 25% are engaged in paid labor (salaries or daily work).
• Sectoral Employment: Agriculture is the second-largest employer after services, accounting for 37% of all jobs. Commerce and personal services make up the majority of urban employment.
• Youth Employment: Fewer youth and women are in paid employment. Many are involved in casual activities such as construction, agriculture, and services.

Displacement and Employment

• Impact of Displacement: Half of all urban households have lost a job activity due to conflict. The majority of displaced individuals are no longer active in the labor market.
• Employment Rates: Less than half of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and fewer than one in five refugees are employed. Those who are employed earn less than urban residents.
• Reservation Wages: Refugees and host communities have relatively low reservation wages, with youth being more willing to accept lower wages than adults.

Job Recovery and Policy Implications

• Local Job Recovery: Job recovery should focus on local demand and opportunities, especially in towns where agriculture plays a significant role.
• Support for Agriculture: Agriculture is a key sector for livelihoods, with many youth open to working in it. Support programs can leverage this interest.
• Funding and Security: Lack of funding and insecurity are major barriers to improving job outcomes. Access to capital and stability are crucial.
• Market Demand: Weak market demand is a key concern. Stimulating local demand through public works, cash transfers, and humanitarian purchases could support job recovery.
• Customized Support: Tailored approaches are needed due to significant differences in job markets across towns. A one-size-fits-all strategy may not be effective.

Main Policy Recommendations

• Promote Local Job Recovery: Prioritize job recovery within towns based on local comparative advantage and demand.
• Support Agriculture: Invest in agricultural productivity and link it with livelihood programs, especially for youth and displaced populations.
• Stimulate Market Demand: Implement programs that boost local purchasing power and market activity, such as public works and cash transfers.
• Address Funding Gaps: Provide small capital grants to support self-employed and household-based activities.
• Customize Interventions: Tailor job support programs to local conditions, recognizing differences in employment patterns and constraints across towns.
• Enhance Education Access: Improve access to education to rebuild the skills base and prepare the workforce for future opportunities.
• Strengthen Public Employment: Regular salary payments to public sector workers can support local livelihoods and markets.

Key Figures and Tables

• Figure 1: Poverty headcount ratios in South Sudan show high levels of poverty.

• Figure 2-3: Educational attainment varies by town and age group.

• Figure 4-5: Labor force participation and reasons for inactivity are significant indicators.

• Figure 6-7: Education levels correlate with job types and sectors.

• Figure 8-10: Employment sectors and seasonal work are critical for understanding job activities.

• Figure 11-13: Livelihood strategies and job activities vary by town and household.

• Figure 14-16: Wage levels, reservation wages, and job preferences are highlighted.

• Figure 17-20: Impact of conflict on employment and wage trends is detailed.

• Figure 21-23: Intentions and obstacles to re-employment are analyzed.

• Figure 24-29: Youth attitudes and perceptions of job opportunities are discussed.

• Table 1-9: Include data on income, employment sectors, and reservation wages, providing quantitative insights into job outcomes.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for targeted and context-specific job support programs in South Sudan’s towns. It emphasizes the importance of addressing funding gaps, enhancing market demand, and rebuilding the skills base through education. With the potential for improved security and trade, there is an opportunity for job recovery, but immediate efforts should focus on local solutions to support livelihoods and employment.