1.1 Introduction
Youth unemployment refers to the condition in which young people who are within the working-age population, willing to work, and actively seeking employment are unable to secure suitable jobs. According to the International Labour Organization (2024), youth unemployment represents the share of the labour force aged 15 to 24 years that is without work but available for and actively seeking employment. Community development, on the other hand, is the process through which members of a community collectively improve their economic, social, cultural, and environmental conditions to enhance their quality of life. According to United Nations (2020), community development involves empowering people to participate actively in decisions and activities that promote sustainable growth and improve community well-being. The relationship between youth employment and community development is significant because productive youth contribute labour, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership that stimulate local development.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Youth unemployment has become one of the most persistent socio-economic challenges confronting both developed and developing nations. According to the International Labour Organization (2024), youth unemployment refers to the condition where young people who are willing and able to work are unable to secure productive and decent employment. Employment plays a vital role in improving individual welfare, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth. It enables young people to contribute their skills, knowledge, and creativity toward national and community development. According to Todaro and Smith (2021), employment serves as a major instrument for achieving economic stability because it enhances income generation, increases productivity, and promotes sustainable development. When young people are unable to obtain gainful employment, their productive capacity remains underutilized, thereby limiting the pace of social and economic development.
Community development is widely recognized as a process through which people collectively improve the economic, social, cultural, and environmental conditions of their communities. According to United Nations (2020), community development is a participatory process that empowers individuals and groups to improve their quality of life through collective action. Community development depends significantly on the active participation of economically productive citizens, particularly youths who constitute one of the largest segments of the population. Similarly, according to United Nations Development Programme (2022), sustainable community development is achieved when citizens actively participate in productive economic activities, contribute to local decision-making, and engage in initiatives that improve living standards. Youths therefore remain indispensable to the success of community development because they provide labour, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity.
Youth unemployment has continued to increase globally despite technological advancement, educational expansion, and economic reforms. According to the World Bank (2022), many countries continue to experience difficulties in creating sufficient employment opportunities to match the growing number of young job seekers entering the labour market each year. Furthermore, according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2023), prolonged youth unemployment reduces economic productivity, increases dependence on public support systems, and widens social inequality. The inability of economies to absorb young graduates into meaningful employment has become a major concern because it affects both present productivity and future economic competitiveness.
In Africa, youth unemployment remains particularly alarming due to rapid population growth, weak industrial development, inadequate infrastructure, and limited employment opportunities. According to the African Development Bank (2023), Africa possesses the youngest population in the world, yet job creation has not kept pace with the increasing labour force. Moreover, according to African Union (2022), many African economies continue to struggle with structural challenges that prevent young people from accessing quality employment despite improvements in educational enrolment. Nigeria has experienced persistent youth unemployment over the years despite its abundant natural resources and large youthful population. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), unemployment and underemployment remain significant labour market challenges affecting millions of Nigerian youths.
The consequences of youth unemployment extend beyond the economic sphere into the social and political stability of communities. According to Okafor (2011), prolonged youth unemployment contributes to poverty, frustration, criminal activities, insecurity, political violence, and other anti-social behaviours that threaten sustainable development. Supporting this position, according to Aiyedogbon and Ohwofasa (2012), unemployment reduces household income, lowers consumer spending, and weakens the economic foundation of local communities. As unemployed youths struggle to meet their basic needs, their participation in productive community activities becomes increasingly limited, thereby affecting overall community development. This study is set against the backdrop of assessing the impact of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that youth unemployment has remained a major socio-economic challenge in many communities in Nigeria, despite various government policies and intervention programmes aimed at promoting employment and economic growth. A large proportion of young people who are willing and able to work remain without gainful employment, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to community development. In communities, unemployment among youths is associated with poverty, dependency, low productivity, and reduced participation in local economic and social activities, thereby slowing community progress (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Furthermore, the persistence of this situation suggests that existing employment initiatives have not adequately addressed the underlying causes of youth unemployment or created sustainable opportunities for young people. On the other hand, prolonged unemployment among youths has increased the risk of social problems such as crime, drug abuse, insecurity, political violence, and other anti-social behaviours that threaten peace and development within communities (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2024). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the impact of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The specific objectives of this study are to:
- Examine the level of youth unemployment in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
- Determine the effects of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area.
- Identify the major factors responsible for youth unemployment among youths in Eket Local Government Area.
- Examine the relationship between youth unemployment and youth participation in community development activities.
- Suggest possible strategies for reducing youth unemployment and improving community development in Eket Local Government Area.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of youth unemployment in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State?
- What are the effects of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area?
- What factors are responsible for youth unemployment among youths in Eket Local Government Area?
- What relationship exists between youth unemployment and youth participation in community development activities?
- What strategies can be adopted to reduce youth unemployment and improve community development in Eket Local Government Area?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between youth unemployment and community development in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between youth unemployment and community development in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Youth unemployment does not have a significant effect on economic activities in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
- H1: Youth unemployment has a significant effect on economic activities in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There are no significant factors contributing to youth unemployment in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
- H1: There are significant factors contributing to youth unemployment in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will provide government authorities with information on the causes and effects of youth unemployment in the study area and support better employment planning.
Furthermore, the research will provide youth organizations with information that supports skills development and employment initiatives. It will also provide stakeholders with information that supports efforts toward reducing unemployment among youths.
Lastly, the findings will serve as useful material for students and researchers interested in youth unemployment and community development.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the assessment of the impact of youth unemployment on community development in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The study covers issues such as the causes of youth unemployment, its effects on economic activities, social development, youth participation, and possible solutions. The respondents for the study are youths, community members, and relevant stakeholders within Eket Local Government Area.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Youth:
Youth refers to individuals within a particular age group who are considered young members of society. According to the United Nations (2020), youth generally refers to persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, although different countries may apply broader definitions based on social and economic conditions. In this study, youth refers to young people within Eket Local Government Area who are affected by employment challenges.
Unemployment:
Unemployment refers to a situation where individuals who are willing and able to work are unable to find suitable employment opportunities. According to the International Labour Organization (2024), unemployment occurs when people within the labour force do not have work but are actively seeking employment. In this study, unemployment refers to the inability of youths in Eket Local Government Area to secure meaningful jobs.
Youth Unemployment:
Youth unemployment refers to the lack of employment opportunities among young people who are ready and capable of working. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), youth unemployment remains a major labour challenge in Nigeria due to limited job creation and increasing numbers of young job seekers. This study examines how this condition affects community development.
Community Development:
Community development is the process through which people work together to improve the social and economic conditions of their community. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2022), community development involves the active participation of individuals and groups in activities that improve living standards. In this study, it refers to improvement in economic activities, social welfare, and development efforts within Eket Local Government Area.
Employment Opportunity:
Employment opportunity refers to available chances for individuals to obtain jobs that provide income and improve their standard of living. According to Todaro and Smith (2021), employment opportunities contribute to economic growth by increasing productivity and reducing poverty.
Economic Development:
Economic development refers to the improvement of economic conditions through increased productivity, income generation, and better living standards. According to Todaro and Smith (2021), economic development involves sustained improvement in the economic and social well-being of people.
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