The Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Urban Unemployment in Metropolitan Centers of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: The immense influx of population from rural to urban areas and rapid urbanization together with lack of meticulous urban planning has been accompanied by grave socioeconomic problems like unemployment. The extent of the problems is enormous in developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective: In this study the researchers aim to examine the prevalence and contributing factors of urban unemployment in metropolitan centers of Amhara National Regional state that are Bahir Dar, Dessie and Gondar, North West Ethiopia. Method:To address these objectives, we had employed a cross sectional quantitative research method. Considering land use classification and population density of each cities; proportionately equal number of survey respondents were taken from Gondar and Bahir Dar (i.e. 38% each), while the remaining 23% were residents of Dessie. Result:The result of the study revealed weak, but statistically significant association between the metropolitan cities and economically active population, above the age of 18, (F=2.66; =.08).Residents of the city of Gondar had significantly higher occupational status score (47.7) as compared to the residents of both Bahir Dar (43.1) and Dessie (39.9) (F=8.32; =.001).The average unemployment rate of metropolitan cities of the Amhara national regional state is 26.9% with the highest rate in Gondar (33%) followed by Dessie (26%) and least in Bahir Dar (19%).This rate of unemployment was attributed to lack of opportunities (74.5%), domestic responsibilities (9.5%), Lack of motivation or will (7.6%), lack of adequate work experience and marketable skills (5.7%) and physical disability (2.9%). Conclusion: In addition to the vital role of family and the government in addressing individual and structural factors of unemployment, improving ones’ professional and communication skills are also requisites to enhance employability