Paper short abstract:

This paper aims to examine youth agency in a semi-urban settlement in northern Sierra Leone. Based on the extensive ethnographic fieldwork it analyses experiences of young leaders as well as their abilities to negotiate the access to resources in a traditional gerontocratic society.

Paper long abstract:

Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing the “youth bulge” and about 70% of its population is under 30 years old. While these demographic trends cause some degree of concern within national governments and international development community, there are also reasons for optimism as young people may prove to be agents of change that could support positive transformation of their societies. This paper aims to examine youth agency in a semi-urban settlement in northern Sierra Leone. While endemic poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation are prevalent in the area, young people try to improve their lives and the lives of their communities through collective actions. Based on the extensive ethnographic fieldwork the paper discusses community programmes initiated by young people. It analyses experiences of youth leadership, motivations of young leaders as well as their abilities to negotiate the access to resources in a traditional gerontocratic society.