An Investigation Of The Role Of Cooperatives In Job Creation For Youths In Chipata District, Eastern Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore and analyze the extent to which cooperatives contribute to the creation of employment opportunities for youth in Chipata District. It employed qualitative research methods using interviews and focus group discussions and used a phenomenological research design to understand events by describing participants knowledge and experiences. The findings revealed that cooperatives of Chipata District were crucial in providing jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for youths. The political and economic situation proved conducive enough for the cooperatives to develop and flourish in the study area. However, these cooperatives were not doing enough to create jobs for the youths in the wake of massive unemployment in the district. This underperforming was due to lack of established structures, operational plans, management problems, low participation of members due to inadequacy of cooperatives to address their needs and problems by their organization, inadequate capital, lack of technology and, infrastructure. Therefore, the study recommends the promotion of self-help (village banking) groups to enhance capital, promote partnerships among cooperatives, provide financial support for cooperative development that can be accessed by young people, government to provide a well-tailored curriculum on formation and management of cooperatives, promotion of synergy between Government, NGOs, and cooperatives as this enhances development and sustainability.