EVALUATING THE COPING STRATEGIES UTILIZED BY UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Young people hold a significant position in any society. They are among the most valuable resources any country may possess. In addition to being the future leaders, they exceeded the number of middle-aged and elderly individuals (Onyke, 2017). A study conducted by Akoje et al. (2018) suggests that the youth play a crucial role in shaping the development and security of a nation. Their energy, creativity, personality, and values are fundamental to the overall progress and stability of a society.  A nation achieves significant progress through the utilisation of its citizens' creative abilities and workforce. The youth constitute a distinct demographic group within the national population, characterised by their heightened sensitivity, energy, and activity. They represent the most productive stage of life as citizens.  The youth are the most volatile and vulnerable portion of the population, particularly in terms of social, economic, emotional, and other factors. (Anasi, 2017)

Unemployment among graduates and youths is a highly significant issue that the African continent is currently grappling with. According to a survey by The African Centre for Economic Transformation in 2017, around 50% of the annual output of 10 million graduates from over 668 universities in Africa fail to secure employment. The graduate employment dilemma in the African region does not have a singular cause. Instead, a combination of circumstances adds to the scenario that has become the highest concern for the region. According to a recent research by the International Labour Organisation for Africa (2017), the unemployment rate in Northern Africa is projected to decrease from 11.7 percent in 2017 to 11.5 percent in 2018. The quantity of individuals without employment, nevertheless, remained constant at 8.7 million. Overall, Northern Africa exhibits the greatest unemployment rate, particularly among the younger population and women. Indeed, individuals in the youth demographic constitute over 34 percent of the overall unemployed populace. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2017, Northern Africa had the highest graduate unemployment rate globally. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, unemployment rates are low because the majority of educated individuals who are able to work cannot afford to be unemployed. However, these graduates frequently experience underemployment and a lack of favourable working circumstances, as stated in the 2017 report by the International Labour Organisation for Africa. In 2017, the unemployment rate in Sub-Saharan Africa was 7.2 percent, showing little to no change. In South Africa, the unemployment rate in 2017 was 27.7 percent, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO, 2017). However, the unemployment rate in sub-Saharan Africa only provides a partial depiction of the labour market situation. This is because a significant portion of the working-age population is too impoverished to be able to afford not to work, and many nations in the region do not offer any form of unemployment assistance.

As per the International Labour Organisation (ILO, 2017), unemployment refers to the proportion of the economically active population who are not employed but are actively looking for work, including individuals who have been laid off or have chosen to leave their occupations (World Bank, 2019). Similarly, according to Fajana (2019), unemployment is the state in which individuals who are willing and able to work are unable to secure appropriate paid employment. According to Adebayo (2019), unemployment refers to the situation where individuals in the workforce want to work but are unable to find employment. According to Adebayo (2019), unemployment occurs when individuals in the workforce desire employment but are unable to secure jobs.  Youth unemployment can be defined as the collective group of young individuals from various backgrounds who are capable and wanting to work, but are unable to secure employment or find jobs that align with their training and competence, causing a sense of dissatisfaction.  Unemployment occurs when there is an excess of available workers compared to the number of job opportunities.  Due to the inadequate availability of official job prospects, young individuals may be compelled to participate in informal work and unconventional means of earning a living, resulting in underemployment (Gibbs et al., 2017).

Youth unemployment refers to the situation when young individuals, who possess diverse backgrounds, are both interested and capable of working, but are unable to secure employment. This could be due to the inability to locate any job opportunities or the inability to find a job that aligns with their specific training and expertise, which they would take pride in performing (Adegboyega, Okesina & Mustapha, 2017). When there is an excess of available workers compared to the number of job opportunities, it leads to joblessness and unemployment. Due to the lack of job prospects in the official sector, young individuals may be compelled to participate in informal work and other non-traditional means of earning a living, resulting in underemployment (Adegboyega, Okesina & Mustapha, 2017).

According to Torimiro and Kolawole (2018), coping techniques or survival strategy refers to the approach utilised by unemployed youngsters as a final way to earn a living in the midst of hardship.  This method is seen as an inconceivable circumstance driven by poverty. This pertains to a state of extreme despair and a lack of concern for one's own moral principles. It is, in fact, not their intended occupation. Coping mechanisms are strategies utilised by unemployed young individuals as a final means to sustain their livelihood in the midst of a state of poverty (Adegboyega, Okesina & Mustapha, 2017). This method is perceived as an inconceivable circumstance motivated by poverty. It pertains to a state of severe desperation and a lack of regard for personal integrity. In reality, it is not regarded as their intended occupation (Echebiri, 2018).

Unemployment continues to be a widespread and persistent issue in Cameroon, especially among the younger population. The nation's labour market is distinguished by a substantial number of job seekers, notably recent graduates, who frequently encounter challenges in obtaining employment within the formal sector (Mbang, 2022). The country's sluggish economic growth, structural imbalances, and the discrepancy between the skills offered by the educational system and the demands of the labour market worsen this predicament (Neba, 2020). Consequently, several young individuals are forced to confront the hard consequences of being jobless, which can result in negative social, economic, and psychological effects.

Unemployed youngsters in Cameroon have devised diverse techniques to cope with the ongoing unemployment crisis. The solutions encompass a wide spectrum, including participation in informal sector endeavours like small-scale trading and subsistence farming, as well as dependence on social networks for both financial assistance and emotional support (Mbah & Fon, 2018). In addition, certain young individuals opt for migration, either inside Cameroon or to neighbouring nations, in pursuit of improved prospects (Tambe, 2019). Some individuals may opt for entrepreneurship, utilising little resources to initiate tiny enterprises, but this sometimes entails substantial obstacles such as insufficient funds and limited market entry. It is crucial to comprehend the coping methods utilised by young individuals in order to address the intricate nature of the unemployment problem and its various effects. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The prevalence of unemployment among the youth in Cameroon has reached concerning proportions, posing a substantial socio-economic obstacle for the nation. Recent statistics indicate that the youth unemployment rate in Cameroon exceeds 30%. This figure highlights the ineffectiveness of the official job market and the underlying structural problems non the economy (Neba, 2020). The scarcity of career prospects has rendered numerous young individuals susceptible, compelling them to develop diverse coping mechanisms in order to endure in an environment characterised by a dearth of formal job chances.

The profound psychological effects of unemployment on young individuals are of utmost importance and should not be underestimated. Extended periods of joblessness can result in emotions of despair, discontent, and despondency, subsequently prompting certain persons to resort to detrimental methods of dealing with their situation, such as substance misuse or involvement in unlawful behaviour (Eban, 2021). These results have an impact not only on the individuals immediately affected but also on the overall stability of society and the development of the economy. Unemployed young individuals frequently suffer from a diminished sense of value, which can result in mental health problems like sadness, anxiety, and even suicidal inclinations (Tambe, 2019). The convergence of economic adversity and psychological anguish might propel certain individuals towards detrimental coping strategies, such as substance misuse and criminal behaviour, hence intensifying the societal issues prevalent in the nation (Olu, 2021).

The coping mechanisms employed by young individuals are not devoid of their own set of difficulties. A significant number of young individuals choose for the informal sector, participating in low-earning endeavours like as small-scale trading, motorbike taxi services, and subsistence agriculture. Although these activities generate income to some extent, they are frequently marked by instability, absence of social security, and restricted prospects for advancement (Mbah & Fon, 2018). Moreover, over dependence on social networks for both financial and emotional assistance imposes considerable pressure on familial and community bonds, potentially resulting in social conflicts (Eban, 2021).

Despite the gravity of these concerns, there has been a scarcity of study on the efficacy and durability of the coping mechanisms utilised by unemployed youngsters in Cameroon. Previous research has primarily concentrated on examining the factors that lead to unemployment and its effects, while neglecting to explore the strategies employed by young individuals in dealing with this difficult circumstance (Neba, 2020). Consequently, it is crucial to assess these coping mechanisms in order to comprehend their influence on the lives of unemployed young individuals and pinpoint the areas that require the most support and intervention. This study aims to fill this void by conducting a systematic evaluation of the coping mechanisms deployed by unemployed young individuals in Cameroon.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the coping strategies utilized by unemployed youths in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To ascertain the level of unemployment among youths in Cameroon

To identify the various negative experiences of youths as a result of unemployment in Cameroon

To identify the various coping strategies employed by unemployed youths in Cameroon

To analyze the effectiveness of the coping strategies in mitigating the negative effects of unemployment among youths 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 is the level of unemployment among youths in Cameroon? 

What are the various negative experiences of youths as a result of unemployment in Cameroon?

What are the various coping strategies employed by unemployed youths in Cameroon?

How effective are the coping strategies in mitigating the negative effects of unemployment among youths 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: The Coping strategies employed by youth does not significantly and effectively mitigate the negative effects of unemployment among youths in Cameroon

Ha: The Coping strategy employed by youth significantly and effectively mitigate the negative effects of unemployment among youths in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The study will have substantial ramifications for different stakeholders, including the youth in Cameroon and policymakers. 

The study will yield vital insights into the manner in which Cameroonian youngsters adjust to and navigate the problems posed by unemployment. Such comprehension can unveil the tenacity and ingenuity of young individuals when confronted with economic hardship.  The knowledge acquired can be used to develop more focused and efficient assistance initiatives.

Moreover, the results of this study can provide valuable insights to policymakers and practitioners regarding the practical strategies adopted by young individuals to deal with challenges in the actual world. This knowledge is vital for formulating policies and programs that more effectively cater to the need of unemployed youth. For example, if young people are predominantly relying on informal sector employment or starting their own businesses as a way to deal with challenges, it would be beneficial to create policies that better assist and promote these sectors.

Moreover, the identification of effective coping methods can assist in the creation of targeted measures and interventions that cater to the specific requirements of unemployed young individuals. This may involve the establishment or improvement of career counselling services, financial aid programs, and skill enhancement activities that are in line with the coping strategies described in the study.

Furthermore, this research will contribute to the scholarly body of knowledge on the topics of unemployment and ways for dealing with it, specifically in the context of Cameroon and other comparable emerging economies. The report will facilitate additional investigation and scholarly discussion on the issue of youth unemployment and its administration.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the coping strategies utilized by unemployed youths in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will explore the level of unemployment among youths in Cameroon, the various negative experiences of youths as a result of unemployment in Cameroon, the various coping strategies employed by unemployed youths in Cameroon and the effectiveness of the coping strategies in mitigating the negative effects of unemployment among youths in Cameroon. 

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

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the analysis, the researchers noted inherent constraints that are present in all human acts. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, resulting from the scarcity of data on assessing the coping techniques employed by unemployed young people in Cameroon. Therefore, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to determine the appropriate materials, books, or information and gather data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographic scope, mostly focused on Cameroon. Therefore, the generalizability of the findings from this study is restricted, highlighting the need for more research. 

Moreover, the limitations faced by the researcher primarily stemmed from financial constraints, as they are a student with insufficient financial means to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation rates at the research site posed a challenge in meeting the financial obligations related to transportation expenses.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational pursuits.

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.

Coping strategy: coping strategy is an action, a series of actions, or a thought process used in meeting a stressful or unpleasant situation or in modifying one's reaction to such a situation. Coping strategies typically involve a conscious and direct approach to problems, in contrast to defense mechanisms.

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