AN EXAMINATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AS A MEANS OF MITIGATING UNEMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The economies of several nations worldwide have been disrupted and restructured to accommodate the influence of astute entrepreneurs establishing lucrative company ventures. Since the end of the 20th century, there has been a growing acknowledgement of the significant contribution of entrepreneurship to the economic prosperity of nations and organisations (Schwartz et al., 2019). The expansion of this tendency has been observed in various countries across Asia, Europe, and North America, thanks to advancements in technology, financing, and government policies. As a result, the number of billionaires in these continents has significantly increased. However, the African continent is not oblivious to this trend, as several nations, especially in East Africa, are experiencing significant progress in economic performance due to the intelligence and capabilities of competent entrepreneurs.

Undoubtedly, the strategies for the economic growth of developing nations such as Cameroon have already been clearly demonstrated by the success of other countries. Transitioning from a predominantly public sector economy to a predominantly private sector economy is the most reliable route to achieving substantial economic growth and development in Africa (Mve, 2020). Considering this, providing training to businesses for implementing this shift has become a fundamental aspect in the discussion of economic development in numerous nations (Schwartz & Malach-Pines, 2019). Although there is still debate about whether entrepreneurs are naturally talented or can be developed, entrepreneurship education has been increasingly popular in Africa due to its perceived positive influence on economic growth.

Entrepreneurship is the act of developing, organising, and launching a business opportunity with the goal of achieving significant growth in a challenging and unpredictable environment through the use of innovative strategies. Entrepreneurship education is the intentional teaching of entrepreneurial attitudes and abilities to prepare individuals to work in the business sector (Isaacs, et al., 2017). It covers a broad range of academic disciplines and can be incorporated into other fields of study due to its interdisciplinary character and practicality. Encouraging students to establish enterprises is not the sole focus, as it is also an essential ability for employees in major firms (Schwartz & Malach-Pines, 2019). Entrepreneurship education extends beyond the usually perceived domains of business development, management, and finance to include additional fields.

Unemployment refers to the situation where individuals are not able to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in the labour market to generate income, which is beneficial both for themselves and the nation as a whole. Oni and Adekola (2020) argued that the issue of unemployment is distressing due to the rising number of university graduates actively seeking employment. According to Enu (2019), entrepreneurship education encompasses various experiences that students have gained, as well as the ability to identify and use different chances to enhance one's life. Ndi et al (2018) defined entrepreneurship as the systematic identification of opportunities for resource allocation and value production.

Oduwaye (2018) affirms that Entrepreneurship education provides students with the knowledge necessary to cultivate their attitudes, abilities, and ingenuity for self-sufficiency, without relying on the government for employment. The experience will instill in individuals a sense of self-direction, self-assurance, and the ability to explore novel approaches to economic development. In their study, Karl et.al (2022) defined entrepreneurship as a novel approach to production, involving the implementation of new models and the utilisation of intermediate goods within an organisation to create a new source of supply. Bassey et al (2021) asserted that entrepreneurship activity in our society yields manifold advantages that can effectively address unemployment issues. Activities such as employment creation and meeting consumer wants entail many tasks performed by individuals in society. Gibson (2019) proposed that entrepreneurship involves the utilisation of private initiative to convert business ideas into new ventures with significant potential. An observation has been made that graduates from different schools have primarily relied on white collar employment and have not been adequately prepared to be self-sufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to involve the youth, who make up more than half of the total population, in order to prevent their engagement in social vices within our society.

Entrepreneurial education encompasses the instruction of individuals in the necessary skills and information to initiate and oversee their own enterprises. It includes a variety of activities, ranging from structured educational programs to informal training seminars and mentorship programs. Studies suggest that entrepreneurial education can cultivate essential abilities like problem-solving, innovation, and risk management, which are vital for individuals to become self-employed and establish their own businesses (European Commission, 2018). Entrepreneurial education in Cameroon has been recognised as a crucial approach to address the issue of unemployment. Entrepreneurship programs targeted at young people have the ability to bridge the gap between work possibilities and the abilities of those seeking employment. The promotion of entrepreneurial skills among the youth is being pursued through initiatives like the Cameroon Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Program (CYEEP) and through partnerships with international organisations (African Development Bank, 2020).

Although there are potential advantages, the introduction of entrepreneurial education in Cameroon encounters certain obstacles. The quality and availability of such programs may vary, with differences between urban and rural regions. Moreover, there frequently exists a deficiency in the fusion of entrepreneurial education and hands-on business skills training (Ngwa & Njoh, 2021). To tackle these problems, politicians, educational institutions, and business sector partners must collaborate to guarantee that entrepreneurial education programs are pertinent and efficient. Entrepreneurial education offers a potential solution to unemployment in Cameroon by providing young individuals with the essential skills to establish their own job prospects. Nevertheless, in order to be successful, it is imperative to confront current obstacles and synchronise school curricula with the demands of the job market. Additional research and focused policy measures are required to maximise the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in reducing youth unemployment in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Cameroon is confronted with a substantial unemployment issue, especially among its young population. Recent statistics indicate that the unemployment rate in Cameroon is persistently high, with particular worry surrounding the issue of youth unemployment (World Bank, 2021). The conventional labour market in the nation is incapable of accommodating the increasing number of individuals seeking employment, resulting in economic instability and social turmoil.

The effect of unemployment on young individuals is substantial. A significant number of young Cameroonians have a sense of hopelessness and despair due to the absence of job, which offers structure and purpose (Ngew, 2017). Lack of economic prospects not only impairs their ability to support themselves and their families, but also reduces their self-assurance and self-identity. The negative stigma attached to unemployment exacerbates this scenario, leading to feelings of isolation and exacerbating mental health issues (Ngale, 2020).

Entrepreneurial education has been suggested as a possible remedy to address the problem of unemployment. It aims to provide individuals with the necessary skills and information to establish their own job prospects (Abel, 2023). Nevertheless, there is a dearth of extensive studies assessing the efficacy of entrepreneurial education programs in Cameroon and their influence on mitigating unemployment rates. Initial investigations indicate that there are entrepreneurial education programs in existence, but their execution and results differ greatly. The success of these programs may be undermined by factors such as insufficient resources, restricted training opportunities, and a lack of alignment between educational content and market demands (Nkongho, 2020; Kouadio & Njoh, 2019). Furthermore, there is a scarcity of empirical data regarding the extent to which these programs contribute to tangible job creation and economic growth in the specific context of Cameroon. Therefore, this study is necessary.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically examine entrepreneurial education as a means of mitigating unemployment in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the causes of unemployment in Cameroon

To assess the role of entrepreneurial education in reducing unemployment in Cameroon

To assess the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education programs in reducing unemployment rates in Cameroon

To recommend strategies for enhancing entrepreneurial education as a tool for mitigating unemployment in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What are the causes of unemployment in Cameroon? 

What is the role of entrepreneurial education in reducing unemployment in Cameroon?

How effective is entrepreneurial education programs in reducing unemployment rates in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Entrepreneurial education programs does not contribute significantly towards the reduction of unemployment rate in Cameroon

Ha: Entrepreneurial education programs contribute significantly towards the reduction of unemployment rate in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is anticipated to have a substantial impact on both the academic realm and practical initiatives in addressing unemployment in Cameroon through entrepreneurial education. The study will have significant implications for various stakeholders, such as the youth in Cameroon and policymakers. 

Cameroon, similar to numerous emerging nations, confronts a substantial level of unemployment, specifically among the younger population. This study aims to investigate the role of entrepreneurial education as a strategic strategy in mitigating unemployment rates. By providing young individuals with entrepreneurial skills, they can establish their own businesses, thus reducing the strain on the official job market. 

Furthermore, Entrepreneurship has a crucial role in stimulating economic growth. The study aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial education and the establishment of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Cameroon. These enterprises play a crucial role in promoting economic diversification, supporting innovation, and contributing to the general growth of the country.

Furthermore, the study seeks to illustrate the capacity of entrepreneurial education to empower young individuals, thereby augmenting their self-sufficiency and aptitude for innovation. This empowerment is essential for diminishing reliance on government jobs and the formal sector, since they frequently cannot accommodate the substantial influx of graduates into the job market annually.

Furthermore, the results obtained from this study will hold significant worth for policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders engaged in the process of curriculum creation. The report will offer evidence-based suggestions for incorporating entrepreneurial education into the education system, with the aim of influencing policies that can result in a more proficient, inventive, and self-employed labour force.

Moreover, there is a scarcity of study about the influence of entrepreneurial education in Cameroon, specifically in regards to the issue of unemployment. This work aims to enhance the academic literature by presenting empirical data and analysis, thereby addressing a significant gap and establishing a basis for future research.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically Examine Entrepreneurial Education as a Means of Mitigating Unemployment in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will discuss the causes of unemployment in Cameroon, the role of entrepreneurial education in reducing unemployment in Cameroon and the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education programs in reducing unemployment rates in Cameroon. 

 Geographically, the study will be carried out in Bamenda, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on an Examination of Entrepreneurial Education as a Means of Mitigating Unemployment in Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, principally centered on Cameroon. Hence, the ability to apply the conclusions of this study to a wider context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restrictions were predominantly a result of financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Unemployment: Unemployment is a term referring to individuals who are employable and actively seeking a job but are unable to find a job. Included in this group are those people in the workforce who are working but do not have an appropriate job.

Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are unemployed. Consequently, measuring the unemployment rate requires identifying who is in the labor force. The labor force includes people who are either employed or unemployed.

Entrepreneurship education: Entrepreneurship education seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills and motivation to encourage entrepreneurial success in a variety of settings. Variations of entrepreneurship education are offered at all levels of schooling from primary or secondary schools through graduate university programs.

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