Can training interventions in entrepreneurship, beekeeping, and health change the mind-set of vulnerable young adults toward self-employment? A qualitative study from urban Tanzania

Abstract

Young adults face unemployment-related challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Self-employment is encouraged by the Tanzanian government and international institutions such as the World Bank. It has been found that young adults who are employed or self-employed show more functional independence and less inequality and social polarization, as well as a decrease in deviant behaviour. However, limited knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurial activities contribute to lack of motivation towards self-employment among young adults. In order to examine these behaviours, an intervention study implementing an entrepreneurship and beekeeping training in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was conducted. After completion of the intervention, a qualitative study was conducted that used focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore the experiences and changes in behaviour of young adults following the intervention. A total of 36 of the original 57 young adults from four camps who fully participated in the four arms of interventions were recruited. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the FGD data. Three themes emerged from the findings: establishment and maintenance of an entrepreneurial business, changes in behaviour, and perceived challenges. Improved entrepreneurial skills, customer care, and financial management were expressed as positive changes the participants attained relating to business management. Similarly, changes in the participants’ behaviours, attitudes, and lifestyle practices led to improved health and increased recognition and respect in their communities. Insufficient start-up capital and long intervals between sessions were the main challenges. The study showed an improvement in the ability of the participants to generate the human, social, and financial capital prerequisite to business development. Increase in customer care, social capital and financial management are key factors for successful microbusiness activities for stable self-employment.

Entrepreneurship, beekeeping, and health training to decrease community violence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a pilot study for an intervention trial

“…After our 6-day entrepreneurship training, the participants noted improved entrepreneurial skills and improvements in their customer care and financial management skills [ 17 ]. Since the participants were developing their own microbusinesses without monetary input from the project, it can be supposed that their improved income was a result of the training.…”

“…Changes in the participants’ behaviors, attitudes, and lifestyle practices led to improved health and increased recognition and respect in their communities. Personal and social capital were enhanced [ 17 ].…”

“…That the Beekeeping camp increased its earnings cannot be attributed to profiting from beekeeping sessions directly. Iseselo et al ([ 17 ], p.15) suggested that it is possible that “the special attention and extra support such programs provided for youth can lead to positive outcomes … regardless of the specific design features of a program.” It is possible that participation in the program, rather than the content of the individual sessions, inspired the participants to make lifestyle changes that led to higher weekly incomes.…”

“…The authors concluded that these were appropriate groups for interventions with low-income youth. Iseselo et al [ 17 ] described the process through which four camps out of a possible 71 were chosen for the present study. Participation of the camps was solicited through an invitation to the camp leader.…”

“…Although entrepreneurship and start-up capital are often considered together, no intervention included start-up loans or grants to the camps or individuals, for two reasons: (a) giving support of this kind to people or groups with little experience in business might not be sustainable over time in such a setting and (b) receiving such support could cause divisions among the participants in a particular intervention. Individuals in different camps shared information in great detail [ 17 ]. If one group were getting money and the others were not, resentment could result.…”