This training package provides an introduction to the important, complex, and sometimes daunting theme of improving land governance as a means to enhance gender equality and grassroots participation in land matters. This training package is designed for professionals, working in the field of land, governance, grassroots participation and gender in public institutions or civil society organizations.

The goal of the training is to improve women's land and property rights and promote the participation of grassroots communities in land processes. The focus is on gender equality and grassroots participation as vital dimensions of good land governance. The training package is prepared in two volumes: Trainee's Handbook: Readers and References and; Trainer's Guide and Training Tools.

Training providers and other stakeholders interested in carrying out the training course are encouraged to fully utilize the package and implement it as set out in these two volumes.

Although the proportion of young people in cities is growing rapidly, few studies take into account the diversity of and views on their urban experiences. This is an examination of the lives, capacities, and agencies of urban youth in the developing world and an identification of significant gaps for research.

In particular, this book provides a highlight of the political economy of youth-focused development in an increasingly urbanizing world. Political-economic processes that shape and are shaped by young people's urban lives get particular attention.

Urban youth face challenges that need to urgently be addressed. The global youth unemployment rate, which is estimated at 12.6 per cent in 2013, is creating an environment in which young people are unable to satisfy their basic needs. As demonstrated by the  mass protests in many cities globally, young people believe that their voices are not being heard and their needs are not being addressed.

All these issues are exacerbated by the lack of engagement of youth in governance at all levels which in turn undermines their rights as citizens. As this report demonstrates, youth citizenship and engagement in governance is about more than political engagement. It is as much about dealing with limited access to economic resources and socio-political assets. This begins with engaging youth as equal partners, recognizing their rights to participatein decision-making processes and to productively use their knowledge, perspectives, and experience.