Determinants of Urban Youth Unemployment in Bench-Sheko Zone

Abstract

There is a greater problem among urban youth in Ethiopia than among rural youth. The youth labor market in Ethiopia presents a particular problem because of the high proportion of young people in the population. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to identify the determinants of youth unemployment in the Bench-Sheko zone. In order to accomplish the study's goal, both primary and secondary sources were used. In this study, we collected primary data from four towns - Mizan Aman, Shy Bench (Cize), Semen Bench (Temenja Yazi), and Debub Bench (Debrework). Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 401 respondents. In addition to the primary data, published and unpublished materials were used to supplement the study. As well, a description and a binary logit regression model were used to explain the study outcomes. The study shows that males are more likely to engage in business, however in the Bench Sheko zone male unemployment is higher than female unemployment. Between 2011 and 2013, females had a low chance of participating in enterprise activities. A significant association between youth unemployment and credit opportunity, gender, education level and family income can be found as well. However, business advisory services, working for pay, work preference, and marital status are not significant. Based on the study's findings, we suggest that youth should receive business advisory support, receive enough credit opportunities, and improve their educational level. Families with high incomes should encourage youth to engage in work. Both male and female should be encouraged to start their own business.