Job Creation Potential Research Articles

Soc Trang residents’ willingness to payfor renewable energy development projects

In Vietnam, electricity production has been growing strongly and is expected tocontinue increasing in the future. However, heavy reliance on fossil fuels is putting significant pressure on the environment and national energy security. The public's awareness of the potential and benefits of renewable energy is still limited. The lackof understanding about the positive impacts of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels may lead to a lack of community support for the green energy transition process.This studyappliesthe approachof choice modelling (CM) or choice experiment (CE) toevaluatethe willingness to pay (contribute) of residents in Soc Trang province for renewable energy development projects. The results indicate that the majority of Soc Trang residents have some knowledgeabout common renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass energy. They demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the benefits that renewable energydevelopment projectscan bring, includingimproving the environmental landscape, protecting wildlife habitats, reducing air pollution, and creating new job opportunities. Among these benefits, they are particularly interested in the potential for job creation through renewable energydevelopment projects

Prioritization of investment order in Brazil among renewable energy sources: an analysis using the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG method

Purpose This paper aims to comprehensively analyze renewable energy alternatives in Brazil, focusing on identifying the most suitable option for investment in the country’s sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis-multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis −3NAG (a combination of three normalization methods) methodology, a multicriteria decision-making approach, to evaluate and rank renewable energy sources based on key criteria such as resource availability, cost-effectiveness, job creation potential and environmental impact. Findings The analysis reveals that solar energy emerges as the preferred choice for Brazil, offering significant advantages over other alternatives such as hydroelectric, wind and biomass energy. Solar energy’s distributed generation capability, cost reduction trends and positive environmental impact contribute to its favorable position in meeting Brazil’s energy needs. Research limitations/implications While the study provides valuable insights into renewable energy selection, there are limitations regarding the criteria’ scope and the exclusion of specific renewable energy options. Future research could explore sensitivity analyses and incorporate additional criteria to enhance the study’s comprehensiveness. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by thoroughly analyzing renewable energy alternatives in Brazil using a robust multicriteria decision-making methodology. The study’s findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, businesses and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable energy development in the country.

Quantitative Analysis of Agricultural Programmes’ Effectiveness in Reducing Unemployment Rate in Nigeria

Unemployment remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with a significant portion of its population unable to secure sustainable employment opportunities. In recent years, agricultural programmes have emerged as potential solutions to address the challenges of unemployment. This study explores the effectiveness of agricultural programmes in reducing unemployment rate in Nigeria. The agricultural sector in Nigeria holds immense potential for job creation, considering the country’s vast arable land, favourable climate, and agricultural resources. However, the sector has been underutilized and faced numerous challenges, leading to high unemployment rates. Agricultural programmes have garnered attention as they aim to revitalize the sector, promote sustainable farming practices, and create employment opportunities for the burgeoning youth population. Consequently, the paper examines the impact of key agricultural programmes such as the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS), Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), and FADAMA, introduced by successive Nigerian governments at various times in reducing the unemployment rate in the country. Some of these programme though new, are just a transmutation from older ones, with the operations remaining the same. These programmes have demonstrated positive impacts in several ways according to statistics; contributing to the diversification of the economy of Nigeria and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on oil revenue. The question is, how effective have these programmes been in reducing the unemployment rate? Therefore, the paper’s main objective was to analyse how successful these programmes have been in checking the problem. The study uses the Logit model to investigate the effectiveness of these key Agricultural programmes in curbing the unemployment rate in the country. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) were used in the analysis. The results reveal that, of the four prominent programmes introduced by the government based on participants employed, the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) had the likelihood or greater probability at reducing the unemployment rate in the country. The study, consequently, concludes that, subsequent programmes should be designed according to the operations and modus operandi of CACS and that other programmes should either be upgraded to CACS module or be scrapped since their impact on reducing unemployment is not felt.

Rozwiązania instytucjonalne na rzecz rozwoju konkurencyjności sektora gazu ziemnego w UE

The study explores the subject of sectoral competitiveness on the example of gas sectors in different European countries. Literature review on sectoral competitiveness suggests that the concept has evolved considerably over time and that contemporary definitions of competitiveness span beyond traditional economic factors. Studies on gas sector in this context to date, however, have largely focused on export competitiveness of upstream activities. To address the research gap, a targeted approach is suggested to study and compare competitiveness of the entire national gas sectors, spanning beyond standard productivity measures. A dedicated synthetic indicator is designed to perform a comparative analysis of contemporary gas sectors, taking account of the gas price offered to the industry, institutional performance, infrastructure readiness and job creation potential. Then, the case study is presented and it examines four countries that have liberalized their gas sectors and are reliant on gas imports to a different degree. Results confirm that the application of a synthetic indicator factoring in different aspects of sectoral competitiveness is appropriate to arrive at a holistic view of gas sector’s relative performance. The significance of the institutional setup is also confirmed from the perspective of inducing investment, enhancing market liquidity, as well as creating sustainable jobs in the gas sector.

Evaluating Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs)’ Performance in Managing Community Forests: A Case Study in Central Nepal

The community forests (CF) in Nepal, facilitated by Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), is widely recognized as an effective model of community-based forest management. Despite this recognition, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies assessing the performance of CFUGs in sustaining community forests. Addressing this gap, this study examined twenty-two indicators across five performance criteria, such as user group management, forest management, financial management, livelihood management, and collaboration and networking management, within four CFUGs in central Nepal. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 275) and focus group discussions (n = 4), and indicators of performance criteria were assessed using a Likert scale. Reliability was measured using the coefficient of Cronbach’s alpha. ANOVA was employed to compare mean performance criteria across the four CFUGs, providing an evaluative perspective on overall CFUG performance. The findings underscored collaboration and networking management as high performers, showing an index value of 0.71, while user group management exhibited moderate performance with an index value of 0.56, alongside other moderately performing criteria. Noteworthy disparities were evident across the four performance criteria (p < 0.01), with the exception of collaboration and network management. Approximately 55% of the indicators were rated low to moderate, revealing CFUGs’ deficiencies in regular functions, limited uptake of adaptive and market-oriented management practices, minimal contributions to biodiversity conservation, insufficient capacity for forest revenue generation and mobilization, and restricted income generation and benefit-sharing with communities. The absence of timely and pertinent actions further stifled interaction between CFUGs and community forests, undermining the potential for revenue generation, job creation, and collective actions essential for productive community forest management. Prioritization of the indicators based on the performance index value offers critical policy direction to ensure CFUG sustainability and augment participatory management of common pool resources. Strategies to address identified weaknesses and build on strengths are essential for the success of Nepal’s community forests.

COVID-19, trade and gender in Bangladesh

The aim of the paper was to assess the nexus between COVID 19, trade and gender. Since readymade garments (RMG) and remittances (i.e. services exports) dominant exports in Bangladesh, the paper analyses the impact of the COVID-19 via the RMG and remittance shocks on women workers and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The economic and social impacts on trade and COVID 19 are large in Bangladesh. Supportive measures were needed to address these deleterious impacts. The paper recommends tapping into the potential for job creation in ready-made garment and service sectors with supporting policies to alleviate women’s unpaid care work, to reduce gender-based violence in the public space and at work and to upgrade women’s skills – in particular, digital skills to accompany the economic transformation to a shift towards the ICT and service sector. It was also suggested that the government should ensure that support packages reach women entrepreneurs by partnering up with micro-finance institutions and offer reduced collaterals, prolonged repayment timeline and flexibility as to the size of the interest free loan.

Framework for Examining the Correlation Between Trade Liberalization and Employment in Nigeria

This research examines the relationship between trade liberalization and employment in Nigeria using a retrospective research approach. The study considers variables such as the employment rate, trade openness index, foreign direct investment, and currency exchange rate. The analytical framework combines classical linear regression and Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models to capture both short-term and long-term dynamics. Diagnostic tests, including descriptive statistics, Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, Perron Unit Root Test, ARDL-Bound test, and Error Correction Model (ECM)-ARDL test, are conducted to analyze the collected data. The study utilizes secondary data from the statistical bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2018) covering the period from 1985 to 2018. The findings of the study are mixed. The error correction estimates indicate a negative relationship between the trade openness index and the employment rate. On the other hand, foreign direct investment shows a negative relationship with employment rate, but this relationship is not statistically significant. The exchange rate demonstrates a positive and significant correlation with the employment rate. It was recommended that, Diversifying Nigeria's economy by promoting domestic industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and services to create job opportunities and reduce import dependence. Implement effective labor market policies including job training, worker protections, and competitive labor market measures to mitigate negative impacts of trade liberalization on employment. Target FDI to sectors with high job creation potential, incentivizing investments, supporting technology transfer, and fostering partnerships for employment growth in Nigeria.

The regional shifts in public employment: Russian Arctic

The paper examines the issue of enhancing the efficiency of regional public employment systems. A region's sectoral employment pattern serves as an indicator of its socioeconomic development level. Understanding structural shifts occurring in response to inter-industry labor flows is critical to achieve effective employment policies. In this study, we propose a classification of economic sectors that uses as key criterion the impact on public employment of structural shift components (national share, industrial mix, regional shift) and can be used as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of regions’ sectoral policies and for identifying industries with potential for job creation. The analysis demonstrates the significance of Groups 1–3economic sectors, for which the local share is positive and exceeds the national and industry mix share, in the efforts to increase regional employment. We evaluate the employment potential of the Russian Arctic regions’ economic sectors through identifying their core industries and relative concentration. By using as example the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), we demonstrate the scholarly and practical value of the proposed classification in enhancing the effectiveness and objectivity of local sectoral policies. We further provide the analysis of share the national, sectoral, and regional factors represent in sectoral employment shift, and present the industries that have played a dominant role in the Republic of Sakha's employment growth. Using the proposed classification, we evaluate the efficiency of the employment policy of the region under study and propose recommendations for growth in sectoral employment.

Paper-Mill Wastes for Bioethanol Production in Relation to Circular Economy Concepts: A Review

This review explores circular economy principles in regard to ethanol production from paper-mill sludge. Environmental sustainability and renewability over fossil fuels make second generation ethanol an attractive energy source in a rapidly growing population and consumption world. Paper sludge (PS), a by-product of the pulp and paper (P&P) industry, can no longer be recycled for paper production and is mainly disposed of in landfills. Therefore, it poses a major environmental challenge. However, it has shown potential as a valuable raw material for ethanol production, along with other pulp and paper products, due to its abundant availability and high cellulosic content. This waste-to-energy (WtE) technology for ethanol production is proposed as an alternative, aligning with circular economy concepts to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste. This review underlines the circular economy aspects of bioethanol production within paper mill sludge management systems. Circular economy principles applied to ethanol production from PS offer a promising avenue for sustainable biofuel development that not only addresses waste management challenges but also enhances the overall environmental performance of biofuel production. Furthermore, economic benefits are described, highlighting the potential for job creation and community development.

Sustainable Connectivity—Integration of Mobile Roaming, WiFi4EU and Smart City Concept in the European Union

This article takes a comprehensive look at the integration of mobile roaming, WiFi4EU and the smart city concept within the European Union in the context of sustainability. These initiatives form key elements of the digital development and transformation of European cities. Starting with a brief look at the functioning of the European Union’s internal market, the article briefly analyzes the objectives of these projects, highlighting their interplay and benefits for citizens. It focuses on the development of smart cities and the importance of digital connectivity in the process of building smart cities. It discusses the WiFi4EU initiative, which provides funding for free public WiFi networks and promotes digital inclusion. It also looks at the core pillars of smart cities, including digital connectivity, efficient transport, environmental protection, innovation and citizen participation. The article discusses the challenges associated with this integration, such as ensuring interoperability of different technological solutions and data privacy. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between city authorities, local communities and European institutions to achieve successful digital urban development. The research emphasizes the economic sustainability implications of these integrated technologies, considering the potential for innovation, job creation and economic growth within the digital and tech sectors. The main method used in the writing process was the analysis method, which was complemented by the comparison and synthesis methods. The final discussion assesses the benefits and challenges that this integration brings for the development of cities and the improvement of the quality of life of citizens. By critically examining the convergence of mobile roaming, WiFi4EU and smart cities in the European Union, this study aims to provide insights into the transformative potential of sustainable connectivity. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on urban development strategies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses both technological advancements and the imperative of sustainable practices for the benefit of current and future generations.

ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ELECTRIFICATION OF AFRICA

The research explores the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electrification in Africa, focusing on the challenges and emerging trends. The electrification deficit in Africa poses a significant impediment to economic development and social progress. This paper explores the pivotal role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays in addressing the challenges associated with electrification initiatives across the African continent. With its capacity for innovation and optimization, AI emerges as a transformative force capable of revolutionizing the planning, deployment, and management of electrification projects in a region characterized by diverse geographical landscapes and economic constraints. The paper investigates the potential of AI in addressing financial barriers associated with electrification projects. By facilitating innovative financing models, reducing operational costs, and attracting investments, AI contributes to creating sustainable and economically viable electrification solutions. The focus extends to decentralized energy systems and microgrids, exploring how AI can empower remote and underserved communities with reliable access to electricity. The socio-economic impact of AI-driven electrification initiatives is also scrutinized, emphasizing the potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards. The paper discusses the importance of capacity building and local empowerment to ensure that AI technologies are effectively integrated into electrification projects while fostering inclusive and sustainable development. It highlights the role of AI in revolutionizing electrification, predicting electricity consumption and enabling decentralized solutions. AI-driven electrification has shown economic and social benefits, including enhanced productivity, improved quality of life, and increased market access. However, it also raises ethical concerns and privacy implications. The research emphasizes the need for proactive mitigation strategies and collaborations across sectors to drive regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and global impact. The research envisions a future where AI plays a central role in fostering inclusive growth, connecting communities, and illuminating a digitally transformed and sustainable continent.
 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Electrification, Africa, Electricity, Energy

Biodiesel from Bark and Black Liquor—A Techno-Economic, Social, and Environmental Assessment

A techno-economic assessment and environmental and social sustainability assessments of novel Fischer–Tropsch (FT) biodiesel production from the wet and dry gasification of biomass-based residue streams (bark and black liquor from pulp production) for transport applications are presented. A typical French kraft pulp mill serves as the reference case and large-scale biofuel-production-process integration is explored. Relatively low greenhouse gas emission levels can be obtained for the FT biodiesel (total span: 16–83 g CO2eq/MJ in the assessed EU countries). Actual process configuration and low-carbon electricity are critical for overall performance. The site-specific social assessment indicates an overall positive social effect for local community, value chain actors, and society. Important social aspects include (i) job creation potential, (ii) economic development through job creation and new business opportunities, and (iii) health and safety for workers. For social risks, the country of implementation is important. Heat and electricity use are the key contributors to social impacts. The estimated production cost for biobased crude oil is about 13 €/GJ, and it is 14 €/GJ (0.47 €/L or 50 €/MWh) for the FT biodiesel. However, there are uncertainties, i.e., due to the low technology readiness level of the gasification technologies, especially wet gasification. However, the studied concept may provide substantial GHG reduction compared to fossil diesel at a relatively low cost.

THE RESILIENCE OF MALAY SILVER CRAFT DESIGN: SUSTAINING CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALIZATION

This research paper investigates the traditional Malay silver craft that has existed for two centuries, reflecting the community's culture and heritage. The Srivijaya Kingdom and British colonial rule historically influenced this Malay culture's silver craft, encapsulating beliefs, dreams, and resilience. Originating in Kelantan, Malaysia, the Malay silver craft industry flourished, but recent studies reveal its decline and potential extinction. This paper's primary objective is to comprehensively identify and propose strategies for integrating sustainable practices of silver craft, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainable industrialization and cultural heritage preservation. The research seeks to preserve and revitalize the craft industry for community benefit, emphasizing its socio-economic impact, potential for job creation, income generation, tourism, and intangible heritage preservation. The paper conducts a literature review, visual research, and focus group discussions employing anthropology, art history, and community development. This research emphasizes the importance of sustaining cultural heritage, fostering community resilience, and empowerment. Influenced by their cultural beliefs, environment, looking at nature, and the natural world, the fine silver craft undergoes artistic expression, subsequently fostering social cohesion and interaction. Following the quadruple helix concept, the Malay silver craft industry revival engaged through collaboration among local artisans, government agencies, community organizations, and academicians. By utilizing thematic analysis based on focus group discussion, this research thoroughly analyses the sustainability of the Malay silver craft domain, interpreting key thematic codes that underpin its ecological and socio-cultural significance within the framework of local craft in Malaysia.

Key economic sectors for green job creation in Poland – an empirical analysis

In this study, we employed a stepwise empirical approach to identify economic sectors and analyze the regional potential for green job (GJ) creation in Poland. We used the operating register of economic entities (REGON) and Polish Labor Force Survey (BAEL) data for the period between 2015 and 2022. The changes in REGON reflect a proxy of changes in GJ stock in sectors of economic activity (PKD-2007) and regions. We estimated trends and spatial diversification of green employment. The results revealed that Mazowieckie, Wielkopolskie, Małopolskie, and Śląskie are the most attractive regions for GJ creation. The polarization of green employment declined during the analyzed period, but spatial disparities were still significant. Most sectors noted increases in GJ, except for agriculture, where the downward trend in employment has a significant influence on the green labour market. Our findings may be useful when formulating policy recommendations for educational institutions, employment institutions, local governments, government institutions, investors, and employers.

Business climate and sustainability of Cameroonian small and medium enterprises in times of COVID-19

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the business climate on the sustainability of Cameroonian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in times of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Design/methodology/approach To achieve this purpose, the study proceed with a quantitative analysis using the simple LOGIT model on a sample of 52 individuals.FindingsThrough the administration of questionnaires and estimations, results reveal that certain variables such as the taxation regime of the enterprise, the different types of taxes paid by the enterprise, the frequency of payment of income tax, the nature of the training of managers, the clauses of the debt contracts with banks/EMFs (Microfinance institution), the time taken to apply for a loan from the bank and the nature of the manager’s training have a negative influence on the sustainability of Cameroonian SMEs during COVID-19, while others such as the evolution of financial profitability in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in Cameroon, the company’s sector of activity and the main methods of financing the SME have a positive influence on the sustainability of Cameroonian SMEs during COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement of the business climate by the institutional authorities is, therefore, essential in the perspective of an eventual development of the country; the said development cannot take place without capitalizing on the potential for income and job creation by SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe first limitation is related to the size of the sample and also to the specificity of our study. In fact, the study is conducted among individuals/actors likely to have access to information on the business climate and sustainability of Cameroonian SMEs at the time of COVID-19 encountered in the city of Yaoundé. In this context, the sample size is considered to be small (52). This element does not immediately allow the results of the present research to be generalized to all regions where SMEs are located in Cameroon, as other criteria or other elements must still be taken into account and the results obtained must, therefore, be interpreted with caution. This research could be deepened in the future by considering more business climate variables on the one hand and a larger sample size extended to all cities in Cameroon on the other.Practical implications The results of this research confirm the importance of institutional bodies establishing a rigorous policy of support for businesses. Such a policy would contribute to improving the business climate and extend beyond mere resilience.Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the fact that it looks at the sustainability of SMEs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroon using a simple LOGIT econometric model.

The Core Attributes and Specialisations of Small and Medium Textile Enterprises in Ghana

The growth and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for the economic development of any nation. The government of Ghana, in recognition of this, established the Ghana Enterprises Agency to promote the growth and development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). This study aimed to identify the core attributes and areas of specialization of Small and Medium Textile Enterprises (SMTEs) in Ghana to provide the necessary support, identify employment opportunities, and mobilize the needed revenue for development. A descriptive research design was used for the study, with a sample size of 273 out of 300 questionnaires distributed to small and medium textile manufacturers in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, and Western regions. The study employed multi-stage sampling techniques involving convenient, purposive, and stratified sampling procedures. The findings revealed that Greater Accra and the Ashanti region have the highest population of SMTEs in Ghana. The average annual earning of SMTEs in Ghana was around Gh¢18,000, which suggests more room for improvement. The study recommends that the government must provide valuable resources, particularly financial and strategic support, for the development of the private sector, particularly SMEs. The study also identified that the textile industry has significant potential for job creation and revenue generation, particularly in the face of rising youth unemployment rates in Ghana. Therefore, the government should promote investment in the textile sector, particularly for SMTEs, through policies that prioritize infrastructural development, access to finance, and targeted training programs. Overall, this study highlights the importance of supporting SMEs, particularly in the textile industry, as a vital means of promoting economic growth and development in Ghana.

Building a green future: Examining the job creation potential of electricity, heating, and storage in low-carbon buildings

Job creation is paramount when considering global transitions to low-carbon, clean-energy solutions. The building sector, critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, has technologies available that rely on electricity rather than fossil fuels for energy and indoor heating and cooling. Solar photovoltaic, energy storage in the form of prosumer batteries, and heat pumps represent three readily deployable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in both new and retrofitted buildings. This study investigates the creation of jobs for each solution and then for all three combined across key countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. While other studies have explored aggregated job creation within nations, regions or globally, this first-of-a-kind study employs a micro-level approach examining six individual building archetypes: residential, hospital, hotel, office, retail, and education. Using the best available data as of 2022, the first-order assessment finds that more than 2 million new jobs and more than 141 million job years can be generated in Europe and the United States alone during the transition to net zero living.

ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF FISCAL POLICY ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA

Fiscal policy has been a tool for economic stabilisation in developing economies for decades. Ever since the Great Depression, fiscal policy has been in the frontline of policy actions. This study investigates the impact of fiscal policy tools on unemployment rate in Nigeria between 1991 and 2021 using the autoregressive distributed lag model. The study has found the presence of cointegration among the variables. Additionally, taxation was found in the long-run to have no impact on unemployment rate while government spending in the long-run worsens unemployment largely due to unproductive and wasteful spending. In the short run, both taxation and government spending worsen the unemployment situation in Nigeria. It, therefore, indicates that the tax system in Nigeria may not be very effective over time. It is thus recommended that the government should consider cutting down expenses and accomplish an expenditure switch from more recurrent spending to more capital and infrastructural spending which will encourage job creation. Furthermore, the government should consider selective taxation on those lucrative sectors with less job-creation capacity in order to give to those sectors with more job creation potential. Additionally, taxation should be logically applied to imported goods to discourage consumption whilst encouraging local production and incentivising local producers through fiscal policy.

2 Employment and social trends by region

Chapter 2 presents labour market trends by broadly defined region and predominantly shows how decent work deficits affect all regions to different degrees. For each region, key labour market indicators are analysed, alongside an assessment of the region's overall economic development. This is followed by a focus on different thematic areas per region, including the job creation potential from climate change adaptation in Africa, implications for jobs with the just transition in the Arab States and ongoing shortages of migrant workers in Southeast Asia from the COVID‐19 pandemic. The thematic areas were proposed by regional experts and reflect pressing problems related to decent work in the respective region.

Assessing the potential of the craft sector’s contribution to employment and gross domestic product in South Africa

Visual Arts and Crafts are promoted in many developing countries as having the potential to create employment and contribute to GDP. However, results of recent cultural and creative industries (CCI) mapping study in South Africa showed that, while the Visual Arts and Crafts (VAC) domain does indeed account for a large portion of cultural occupations, its contribution to GDP is small. This paper uses national-level data to gain a better understanding of the VAC sector in terms of its actual potential for job creation in South Africa. Results show that the VAC domain does provide opportunities for the employment of women and youth, but it is more male dominated than other CCIs, and earnings are generally lower, especially for women. However, there is also some potential in more rural provinces if links to markets and tourists can be made.