Title:
STATE INITIATIVES AND LOW EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTHS IN KUMBO SUB DIVISION, NORTH WEST REGION, CAMEROON

Authors:
Kome Blaise Tardzenyuy ,Dr. Moye Eric Kongnso and Prof. Jean Emiet Nodem

Abstract:
Youth empowerment programs are a cornerstone to unemployment reduction in developing countries. However, these programs are poorly oriented and executed. Using programs in the Ministry of youth affairs, this study aims at examining the logics that explains the non-adhesion of beneficiaries to such programs in Kumbo Sub Division. The guiding premise is that, the nonadherence of youths‘ beneficiaries to activities offered by state programs is accounted for by unadapt management strategies in the execution of such initiatives. Using the theory of social constructivism and a qualitative research approach, we conducted semi-guided interviews with 65 youths involved in programs such as PAJER-U, PIFMAS and NCSAPD as well with 19 youths who never had the opportunity to belong to such programs. Interviews were equally conducted with administrative officials in charge of implementing these policies. Field observations and visits to project sites were carried out. Results highlights the fact that the poor unadapt management strategies in the execution of programs results to inadequacy between activities offered by the programs and real needs and backgrounds of beneficiaries. Thus, funds offered by programs are often diverted or used for other aims. Non-selected youths, pointed out that modes of selection and funding are based on social affinities. Administrative officials admitted that there is too much centralization of decision making and sociopolitical influence. Given that more than 60% of the youths end up using project funds for other purposes, we believe that a more decentralized and a bottom-up approach in program management can reverse the situation and encourage youth adhesion