Participation of Youth in the Economic Empowerment of Local Communities in Kocheka Sub-county, Bukedea District
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Date
2025-10-01
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
Irrespective of its role in economic empowerment of local communities, youth participation faces several limitations and in many countries, it has not been regarded as such. This study determined the effect of youth participation on economic empowerment of local communities in Kocheka Sub-County, Bukedea District. Specifically, the study explored various ways through which youth can participate economic empowerment of local communities and the effect of youth participation on economic empowerment of local communities in Kocheka Sub-County, Bukedea District. The study also determined favorable interventions to improve youth participation in economic empowerment of local communities in Kocheka Sub-County, Bukedea District. The study used qualitative case study design to analyze data from the study area with the help of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The researcher collected data from 15 respondents in the study area who were selected using purposive sampling and interviews were used to collect data. The study found that youth participate in economic empowerment of local communities through youth development, community services, youth leadership and full participation in community decision making. Findings also show that participatory planning paradigm promotes making community development programs centered on the needs of the community and improve implementation of community development plans. Policies, technical, political, institutional, financial, and training constraints according to the findings prevented young people from taking part in project planning and youth participation in local community empowerment projects was influenced by factors such as education, experience. Findings also show that to improve youth participation on economic empowerment of local communities, encourage education and skill development is a good intervention and youth can also participate through full participation in community decision making. The study recommended government and stakeholders should sensitize the community on the need to promote youth participation in economic empowerment of their communities and government in conjunction with local leaders should put in place measures that enhance youth participation in economic empowerment of their communities.