Abstract

Malawi is one of the underdeveloped agriculture economies in Sub-Saharan Africa where youth unemployment is worrisome. This study sought to analyse determinants of youth unemployment in agribusiness employment opportunities in northern Malawi. The study aimed at answering questions related to why youth unemployment when agribusiness employment opportunities were available. The study was descriptive in nature and adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach. Youth in agribusiness were the main participants while veteran farmers and agribusiness officers were engaged in triangulation. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to identify youth agribusiness clubs engaged in different agribusinesses and geographical locations from district agriculture offices. Photovoice, focus group discussions, and oral interviews were used to generate data. Content, textual and thematic approaches were used to analyse data. The study found that despite the presence of agribusiness employment opportunities, unemployment was prevalent due to multiple factors related to challenges with production, marketing agricultural products, proper storage facilities, processing and value addition, and supportive policy among others. The study also found that the youth had poor backgrounds and attitudes in the sector.  Based on discussions, the study has recommended policies and practices at different value chain stages for transforming the agricultural sector toward creating youth employment.

Key words: Youth unemployment, phenomenological qualitative approach, agribusiness, triangulation, transformation.