Youth inclusion in co-operatives: perceptions and aspirations of Moshi co-operative university students

Abstract

The current study examined youth inclusion pathways in co-operatives by analysing postgraduate students’ perceptions. A cross-sectional research design was used. Data were gathered from 49 (44.5%) of the total students who were pursuing postgraduate studies for the academic year 2020/2021. FGD and one to one interview were used to gather data. It was revealed that students (81.6%) were aware of pathways for youth inclusions through co-operatives. However, they were not satisfied with the extent to which co-operatives create and promote utilisation of the identified pathways. It was further shown that the strategies for inclusion to be adopted are supporting the provision of education, employment, and participation in decision making. Nonetheless, low understanding of the co-operative models and their benefits and capital inadequacy hinder youth inclusion. In fact, co-operatives need to develop comprehensive co-operative awareness programmes that will make young people understand co-operative models. Co-operatives are also reminded to make innovations to their services and products to match the needs and economic activities of the youth.