The value of conducting systematic ex ante economic analysis in deciding whether or not, or how better, to implement a project is well-documented, as are the techniques themselves. Applying them to a particular project is not always easy. This Guide is for those involved in appraising the economic merits of youth projects or projects with an important youth component. This Guide is designed to explain and illustrate basic economic principles relevant to ex ante project appraisal, and their application to the task of making choices related to youth projects.
It is also intended to familiarize those who do not specialize in youth projects with some of the issues particular to youth projects and to provide some basic understanding of the concepts, relationships and data relevant to undertaking economic analysis of youth projects. Investments in youth are particularly important in light of the unprecedented numbers of young people now entering their reproductive and early adult productive years. Of the more than one billion youth aged 15-24, 86% live in developing countries. Investing in the human and social capital of these young people is key to ending the cycle of poverty.