Impacts of youth unemployment in Tanzania: A Case of Wazo Ward in Kinondoni Municipal Council

Abstract

Working is a fundamental human right, hence vital for the socio-economic development of society. This study assessed the impacts of youth unemployment. Specifically, the study identified the causes of youth unemployment, described its negative impacts and established intervention measures. The study was conducted in Wazo Ward within Kinondoni Municipal Council, specifically in Mivumoni Street. A mixed-method approach was employed, whereby qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. A total of 200 respondents were interviewed through a structured questionnaire, while four in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants via a checklist guide. The collected qualitative data were coded and themes developed, while quantitative data were analysed through SPSS programme and Fisher’s test was used to determine the relationship between variables. Findings of the study revealed that the identified causes of unemployment among the youth included nepotism, skills mismatch, limited job opportunities, corruption, low economic growth and lack of entrepreneurship skills. Additionally, study findings described the negative impacts, which included criminal offence, sexual immorality, substance abuse, violence against others and laziness among youth.  Reported intervention measures were job creation, loan provision, provision of support to entrepreneurs, controlling favouritism, promoting practical skills, and creation of employment strategies. Findings of the study further revealed the P-value was (.014), meaning there was a significant association between unemployment among youth and substance abuse. The other reported P-value was (.000), which entails that there was a significant association between youth unemployment and involvement in criminal offence. This study underscores the impacts of youth unemployment with its multiplier effects on youth themselves and society. Therefore, the findings of this study recommend to policymakers to develop intervention measures that range from the family institution to the ministerial level via the respective ministry of labour, youth, employment and persons with disabilities to mitigate the impacts of youth unemployment.