Despite increased studies on livelihoods, there is limited research on how they are viewed as a mechanism to reduce unemployment in Botswana. This study aims to explore livelihood activities being done by rural youth in their quest to reduce unemployment. This study adopted an explorative qualitative case study design that draws from the systematic literature review analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The data gathered from documents was analyzed thematically. The findings reported that rural youth are involved in livelihood strategies such as agriculture activities, community-based tourism, street vending, weaving, and craft work. These livelihoods provide a source of employment and income to rural youth. Furthermore, the findings stated a reciprocal relationship between unemployment and livelihoods as unemployment increases livelihoods, which, in turn, lowers unemployment rates and increases household income. The findings indicated that the government had implemented various programs, such as the Youth Development Fund, Youth Empowerment Scheme, and Citizen Entrepreneurship Development Agency, to support livelihood activities. Drawing on the findings of the study, although rural youth are embarking on various livelihood activities as a form of employment, they are still facing challenges, which hinder the sustainability of their livelihoods. © 2026 Jenny Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.
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