DOI: 10.26634/jhss.4.2.20978 ISSN: 2583-9381

A study on the impact of youth unemployment and its consequences in Ndola city

Pimpa Chisumpa Nick, Jenefa Leena
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This study investigates the impact and consequences of youth unemployment in Ndola City, Zambia, using structured and semi-structured questionnaires to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The main objective is to examine the effects of youth unemployment. Specific objectives included identifying major causes of youth unemployment, assessing its impacts, understanding survival strategies of unemployed youths, and determining government programs that could mitigate unemployment. Data was collected from 70 purposefully selected youths and analyzed using SPSS, Microsoft Word, and Excel. The study recognizes that solutions to youth unemployment require identifying its root causes, thus, it surveyed unemployed youths who provided critical primary data. Findings indicated that economic recession, lack of job market exposure, absence of industries, skill deficiencies, low educational attainment, corruption, nepotism, and low entrepreneurship levels were major factors contributing to youth unemployment in Ndola City. These issues result in criminal activities, prostitution, excessive alcohol consumption, and poverty due to lack of income. To address youth unemployment, the study recommended prioritizing local youths in community projects such as road and drainage construction, building more affordable schools, and providing high-quality education. It emphasized that the government should create jobs and that stakeholders should address this issue before it becomes uncontrollable. Additionally, encouraging youth involvement in agriculture, given Ndola's agricultural potential, was suggested as a viable solution. The study underscores the long-lasting financial, social, and psychological effects of unemployment, exacerbated by global economic crises. The International Labour Organization estimates rising youth unemployment rates globally, with Zambia experiencing a 60% youth unemployment rate, among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The youth population, comprising 65% of Zambia's workforce, faces unemployment rates significantly higher than adults. This study emphasizes that addressing the causes of youth unemployment is crucial for finding effective solutions and improving the livelihoods of Ndola's youth.

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