Effectiveness of Youth Development Fund in Enhancing Youth Entrepreneurship in Ilemele Municipality, Tanzania.

Abstract

This study comprehensively examines the effectiveness of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) in enhancing youth entrepreneurship specifically in Ilemela Municipality, located in the Mwanza Region of Tanzania. Guided by the theoretical framework of Social Capital Theory, the study pursued three specific objectives aimed at gaining in-depth insights. These objectives include identifying the number of entrepreneurial training sessions provided to YDF beneficiaries, determining the number of youth-owned enterprises that have been funded by the YDF, and assessing the sustainability rate of businesses that are supported by the YDF. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to gather rich qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 110 respondents, including Youth Development Officers, Community Development Officers, and youth beneficiaries, were carefully selected through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and subsequently analyzed descriptively to draw meaningful conclusions. The findings revealed that most respondents were aware of the YDF and that the majority had participated in at least one entrepreneurial training focusing on crucial topics such as digital investment, group fund management, and business planning. Notably, the YDF was found to contribute not only to financial empowerment for the youth but also to skill development that is essential for the long-term sustainability of their enterprises. This study highlights the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurship among marginalized groups, thereby promoting economic growth in the region.