A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BARRIERS TO YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN CAMEROON (A CASE STUDY OF SOME COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHWEST REGION)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Africa currently has the title of being the youngest continent in the world. While the populations of most countries throughout the world are experiencing an increase in the proportion of elderly individuals, several African countries are currently characterised by a majority of young people. Regardless of whether they reside in the urbanising cities and towns of Africa or in rural villages and settlements, and regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, it is evident that these young individuals have lofty aspirations. African policymakers are growing more apprehensive about how to fulfil these expectations. 

Increasing research suggests that youth unemployment is emerging as a more significant concern and obstacle compared to adult unemployment (Manpower group, 2022). Although both youth and adult members in the labour force can encounter similar possibilities and obstacles in finding job, young individuals may face these obstacles to a higher extent and may also encounter additional limitations. Betcherman & Khan (2018) argue that barriers to employment and work possibilities on the demand side may not be specific to youth but can impact job searchers in general. These factors encompass the current condition of the economy, lack of a conducive climate for businesses, and deficiencies in infrastructure (Ibid). However, adolescents are especially susceptible to changes in demand (Choudhry et al., 2022). 

Amid challenging economic circumstances, youths are frequently the initial ones to experience job termination. This impedes their capacity to develop abilities and gain experience (Baah-Boateng, 2018; Manpower Group, 2022). Similarly, they are also more prone to facing certain limitations, such as negative employer attitudes towards them; scarcity of beginner-level employment opportunities; ineffective information systems; and limited access to financing. There is ongoing discussion over the impact of real gross domestic product (GDP) on young employment in Africa. Anyanwu (2018) conducted an empirical analysis on the macroeconomic determinants of youth employment challenges and found that real GDP growth has a significant positive impact on youth employment. On the other hand, Baah-Boateng (2018) conducted an econometric analysis and found that real GDP growth does not have a significant effect on youth employment. 

In numerous countries, employment has not been a primary concern in economic policy, but rather has been regarded as an incidental result of such policies (Baah-Boateng, 2018). Although policymakers may advocate for employment, only a small number of cities actively encourage labour-intensive economic growth (Grant, 2022). The division of efforts between promoting agricultural growth and creating jobs in Africa's agriculture policy has hindered the ability to provide income and employment opportunities for a significant number of young individuals (Filmer, Fox et al., 2019). The absence of a robust labour market information system poses a limitation for job seekers in general. However, young individuals are especially impacted by the unequal distribution of information due to their limited experience in the labour market and inadequate networking opportunities (Baah-Boateng, 2018). (Refer to the section on social capital for further information). Several nations in Sub-Saharan Africa lack competent employment placement centres to register and enable the placement of young people in jobs (Ibid). Young individuals may lack knowledge on how to effectively navigate the labour market and identify and seek career opportunities without proper guidance and assistance (Betcherman & Khan, 2018; Manpower Group, 2022). A study conducted in Viet Nam reveals that the presence of inadequate labour market information systems has led to students making course choices based on family connections and recommendations that are not well-aligned with the needs of the economy (Grant, 2022).Inadequate financial availability and labour rules can have a disproportionate impact on young individuals (Betcherman & Khan, 2018). The study conducted by Anywanu (2018) reveals that the availability of credit has a favourable and noteworthy impact on the employment of young individuals in North Africa. A lack of adequate access to agricultural loans and financial services, coupled with uncertain land rights, poses a significant barrier for young individuals who have an interest in pursuing agriculture (Moore, 2018; Filmer, Fox et al., 2019). Young individuals also face difficulties in obtaining loans for initiating non-agricultural enterprises, which hampers their ability to secure employment opportunities (Ibid; Baah-Boateng, 2018; Msigwa & Kipesha, 2019). 

Quality employment opportunities not only enhance youths' long-term career prospects, but also have a shown amplifying impact on the overall welfare of families, the economic health of nations, and society as a whole. Although, societies cannot reasonably anticipate that young individuals will dedicate themselves to rigorous study and diligent effort as the conventional path to secure employment and achievement, given the declining proof of its efficacy. As a result of the worldwide economic crisis, an increasing number of governments are adopting austerity measures to decrease public expenditure, particularly in areas such as employment and education. However, evidence clearly shows that austerity programs can result in higher levels of unemployment. 

Financial and social investments are necessary for young individuals to fully realise their capabilities, successfully move into adulthood, and actively participate as engaged citizens. Despite the prevailing pessimism among many youths over their future prospects, there is still a glimmer of hope. Hence, this study seeks to critically assess the barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Currently, the focus on the development agenda in almost every country on the continent is continuously centred around creating jobs and providing opportunities for young individuals. Despite the limited and non-uniform data on employment in African countries, we can nevertheless gain valuable insights from the existing evidence. Despite common beliefs, unemployment is just one of the primary challenges that low-income countries in Africa are confronted with. In addition to the issue of unemployment, Africa is faced with the difficulty of underemployment. Due to the lack of sufficient social safety nets, young individuals are forced to accept low-productivity and low-wage occupations in order to meet their basic needs. Although urban youth are often more outspoken about their difficulties and ambitions, and are easily seen in their search for employment, a significant number of young individuals in rural and semiurban regions have difficulties in securing higher-paying professions and possibilities to uplift themselves and their families from poverty. 

According to Anywanu (2018), there is a negative and statistically significant relationship between the ratio of youth to total population and youth employment in Africa. Contrarily, Lam (2018) conducted statistical and regression studies that revealed insufficient evidence supporting the notion that a greater proportion of young individuals in the working-age population (referred to as a "youth bulge") results in increased youth unemployment. If young people have the necessary abilities to contribute to economic development and if the economy had the ability to accommodate them, the rapid growth of the youth population would not be a cause for concern (Baah-Boateng, 2018).

The issue of youth employment is multifaceted and cannot be simplified to a single factor. To tackle this issue, it is necessary to focus on enhancing the standard of primary education and training in order to enhance the productivity of young individuals. Additionally, it is crucial to eliminate existing barriers that impede advancements in agriculture, domestic businesses, and the contemporary wage sector.

 Hence, it is in the light of these, the study seeks to critically assess the barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to critically assess the barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Assess whether inadequate infrastructure hinders youth employability in the Northwest region of Cameroon.

Determine the factors contributing to low employability among youths in rural communities.

To evaluate the effectiveness of current government and non-governmental initiatives aimed at improving youth employability in rural areas.

Recommend actionable solutions to overcome the barriers to youth employability in rural communities.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Does inadequate infrastructure hinder youth employability in the Northwest region of Cameroon?

What factors contribute to low employability among youths in rural communities?

How effective are current government and non-governmental initiatives in improving youth employability in rural areas?

What are the actionable solutions to overcome the barriers to youth employability in rural communities?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There are no significant barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon.

Ha: There are significant barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings will provide government agencies and policymakers with an in-depth knowledge of the specific obstacles that rural youth encounter in obtaining employment. However, this study will serve as a foundation for developing focused interventions to overcome these barriers. It will facilitate the development of policies that are more comprehensive, catering to the distinct requirements of rural communities and aiding in the reduction of the disparity in employment opportunities between urban and rural areas. The research will offer practical insights for non-governmental organisations and development agencies, which may be used to inform the design of programs that aim to improve the employability of rural youth. These programs may include vocational training, support for entrepreneurship, and increased access to resources. Moreover, the study will specifically identify the obstacles that impede the job opportunities of rural youth, equipping them with valuable information that can guide their career choices and enhance their likelihood of obtaining significant employment.

Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the barriers to youth employability in rural communities in Cameroon. Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths in some communities in the Northwest region.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Youth Employability: The ability of young people to secure and maintain employment, particularly in the job market.

Youth: a period of transition from childhood dependence to adulthood independence. 

Employment: The state of having a paid job or occupation, where an individual works for an employer in exchange for wages or a salary. 

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