Exploring the root causes of youth unemployment in the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia

Bibliographic Data

ID22417410
AuthorsMule Dejene Guta (0009-0009-1054-3301, Mekelle University, corresponding author), Kinfe Abraha Gebre Egziabher (Mekelle University), Mekonen Kassahun (Ethiopia Civil Service University)
Year2026
Publication date2026-04-06
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueIndustry and Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0950-4222 • E-ISSN: 2043-6858
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/09504222261438544
OpenAlexW7150811017
LanguageEN
References cited20

Unemployment, especially among youth, poses a significant macroeconomic challenge in Ethiopia. This study investigates the root causes of youth unemployment in the Gurage Zone using a mixed-methods approach that combines descriptive and explanatory designs with both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data were collected from 417 youth using a multi-stage sampling technique, resulting in 400 completed questionnaires. The analysis revealed that factors such as sex, age, migration status, educational attainment, and access to credit and training influence youth unemployment. Structural factors, including inflation, declining investment, political instability, skill mismatches, and inadequate education, were also identified as key contributors. The study recommends improving education, increasing investment in agriculture, enhancing political stability, expanding access to credit, and promoting self-employment initiatives. Key sectors for youth employment include farming, cobblestone production, dairy, meat production, and irrigation. Targeted support from governmental and non-governmental organizations in these areas could reduce unemployment and foster regional development.

Descriptive statistics · Politics · Qualitative research · Unemployment · Youth unemployment · Gender, Education, and Development Issues · Labor market dynamics and wage inequality · Unemployment and Economic Growth

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