2023/11/20 by Wakwoya, Fanta, Deyasa, Gadisa
#Self-employment #Unemployment #Youth
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v12i2.04
This study sought to investigate the characteristics and major challenges contributing to youth unemployment in Nekemte City. The study employed an explanatory research design. The sample size was 376 respondents. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents, while purposive sampling was used to select participants in the focus group discussion. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for collecting data from youths who were unemployed at the time of the survey. The validity of the instruments was determined by experts in research and piloting. Focus group discussions, observation, and document reviews were used to crystallize the information obtained through the questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis was done using percentages, multiple regression, and the chi-square test. The study established that the burden of unemployment has been heavier on women; better educational status may not necessarily lead to better employment opportunities, and significant numbers of youths prefer to remain unemployed until they get the type of job they prefer. Moreover, among the many contributing factors, the most notable causes of youth unemployment are: limited job availability, rural to urban migration, a lack of business advisory services, a lack of startup capital, as well as a mismatch of skills and the labor market. The study therefore recommends creating productive jobs for various skill categories. Besides that, the local government should work to create suitable conditions (provision of finance, a work environment, and training on entrepreneurship are important); accountability and transparency must be encouraged in the local government system to attain good governance; improving the awareness of youth towards jobs by advocating the importance of self-employment; and strengthening the linkage between education institutions and the labor market.