Factors Constraining Youth Participation in Economic Development in Zanzibar

Abstract

Nowadays, young people especially in the developing economies are not accorded equal chances to participate in decision making for economic development. The main objective of this study was to examine the factors that constrain youth participation in economic development in Zanzibar. A quantitative research method design was adapted to collect primary data from respondents. Data was collected from 181 respondents using structural questionnaire and descriptive statistical technique was used for data analysis. The study identified three factors notably; low levels of education, lack of entrepreneurship skills and inferiority complex for hindering youth participation in decision making processes for economic development in Zanzibar. The finding revealed that, the majority of the respondents 149 (82%) agreed that, the participation of youths will influence effective outcome in economic development, 96 (53%) of the respondents agreed that, low level of education is the major factor that hinders youth participation in economic development programs and the majority of respondents 59 (33%) disagreed that, policies do not address youth participation in decision making. The study recommends that, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar should invest much in youth for sustainability economic development programs so as to avoid joblessness in the nation.

Keywords: Youth participation, decision marking and economic development

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-24-06

Publication date: December 31^st 2020