Analysis of social barriers to the participation of Youth in Community development Activities

This article analyzes how social barriers affect participation of youth in community development activities. These findings are based on the study at Hai district in Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2018. This paper analyzes the barriers using Hai district in Kilimanjaro Region-Tanzania as a case study. Sample size of 50 respondents was involved of whom 44 respondents were selected using simple random. A non-probability sampling, called purposive sampling, was used to select the other 6 respondents. A cross sectional design was employed where the study area was put in to four divisions namely Machame Magharibi, Machame Mashariki, Machame Weruweru and Machamekusini. Data were collected using semi structure Questionnaire, interviewing and focused group discussion. Semi structure Questionnaire was administered to 2 community development officers, 2 social welfare officers and 2 officers from a non-government organization dealing with youth affairs. Focus group discussion and interviewing were used to collect data from the 44 respondents in the four divisions with each division comprised of 11 respondents. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Content Analysis. The results indicated how social barriers affect the participation of youth in community development activities. The study concludes that effective and better participation of youths in community development activities is only possible when such barriers are addressed. The study recommends stakeholders in community development activities to take a leading role in ensuring that the social barriers to the youth participation are addressed through Education and Persuasion.