Gender factors contributing to youths' participation in the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) In Taveta District

Abstract

This study examined the factors contributing to youth's participation in the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) activities in Taveta District. The study was premised on the pedestal that there are gender, policy and socio-cultural factors that inhibit access to YEDF credit by male and female youth. The study therefore attempted to identify and describe these factors while suggesting ways of surmounting them. The study also amplified the views of the youth for stakeholder attention to eradicate gender blindness in credit provision. The main problem of this study was that despite the critical role YEDF has played in the improvement of the lives of several young people in this country, the realization of the same among the youth in Taveta District is not sublime. There exist socio-cultural, personal and environmental factors leading to the uninspiring performance of the youth groups' access to YEDF credit. The study was guided by the theories of self efficacy (TSE) and planned behaviour (TPB). Seven youth groups were sampled from each of the three divisions of the district. From the sampled youth groups, twelve respondents (six male and six female) were selected yielding a total 126 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interview guides and observation. An observation check list was maintained to investigate the location and type of involvements that the groups opted for. They were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 17.0) and findings presented in tables, graphs and figures. On the other hand, qualitative data are presented in a narrative report. The research found that there are numerous challenges that have hindered the participation of men and women, considered separately, in YEDF activities. These include: the influence of patriarchy, self-efficacy, policy frameworks and socialisation. The study concludes that apart from policy issues, socio-cultural barriers affected the female youth more than the male youth. It, therefore, recommends improving financial literacy, engendering adaptations targeting youth diversities, engendering credit approaches and restating existing policies to be gender responsive.