Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Counselling for sustainable livelihoods is a critical aspect of promoting the well-being and development of Nigerian adolescents and youths. This research explores the importance of counselling in enhancing the livelihoods of this target population group. The Nigerian adolescents and youths face numerous challenges, including high levels of unemployment, poverty, and limited access to educational and economic opportunities. In this context, counselling plays a vital role in supporting them to navigate these challenges and build sustainable livelihoods. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on the effectiveness of counselling interventions for sustainable livelihoods among Nigerian adolescents and youths. The research sample includes participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to ensure a holistic understanding of the issues at hand. Through the analysis of the data, the study aims to identify the key factors influencing the success of counselling programs in promoting sustainable livelihoods among the target group. The findings of the research highlight the significant impact of counselling on the livelihood outcomes of Nigerian adolescents and youths. Counselling interventions have been shown to improve their access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and socio-economic status. Moreover, counselling helps to build resilience and empower the target population to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Furthermore, the study identifies the importance of incorporating cultural sensitivity and context-specific approaches in counselling programs for Nigerian adolescents and youths. By understanding the unique socio-cultural factors that shape their experiences and aspirations, counsellors can provide more effective support and guidance. Additionally, the research emphasizes the need for collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to scale up counselling services and reach a larger number of adolescents and youths. In conclusion, counselling plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable livelihoods among Nigerian adolescents and youths. By providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and resources, counselling can empower this target population to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a better future for themselves and their communities. The research findings underscore the importance of investing in counselling services as a means to foster the holistic development and well-being of Nigerian adolescents and youths.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

The increasing rate of unemployment in Nigeria is fast becoming a popular subject matter. It is the ideal cynical mechanism, which accounts for why many crimes abound in the society. The quick excuse from most youth, who indulge themselves in anti-social crime, is unemployment. And for obvious reasons, it has also become the most appealing topic of deliberation in the country. This menace can be appropriately handled if entrepreneurial development is adequately encouraged through vocational education. Entrepreneurship as seen in this paper is the skill to develop new adventures or apply a new technique to an old business. It entails risks, identifies business opportunity, gathers resources, initiates action and establishes an organization or enterprise to meet such demand or market opportunity. This paper presents evidence that promoting entrepreneurship development through Vocational Education can be an effective way of tackling unemployment in Nigeria. The findings also showed that unemployment is a global problem in Nigeria and empowering the youth is a sure ways of diversifying the economic. conclusion and recommendation were also drawn from the study

outlines the history and evolution of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to Poverty Reduction. As well as defining main concepts and key principles, it introduces the DFID Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a tool for analysing poverty. It also explains the need to research poverty at household level, as well as the importance of investigating internal power dynamics within households.

explores the different elements of the DFID Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in depth. It defines and illustrates key aspects of the Vulnerability Context and demonstrates how they affect livelihood assets and strategies. It also examines how Policies, Institutions and Processes enable or disable people’s livelihoods, while promoting an awareness of power relations throughout. Finally, it explains the difference between coping and adaptive strategies in terms of their impact on assets and outcomes.

provides practical guidance on how to conduct a Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis in the field. It outlines the links between the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach/Framework and participatory research methodologies and tools. In order to demonstrate best practice, it provides a step-by-step account of a FAO Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis, followed by a Questions and Answers session with the research consultant who conducted it.

explores practical ways to influence Poverty Reduction using the Approach and Framework. It explores some key mistakes made by development practitioners when designing projects and programmes, while offering some examples of Sustainable Livelihoods best practice in the field. It concludes with an in-depth interview with Oxfam Ireland’s Livelihoods Programme Co-ordinator.