DETERMINANTS OF YOUTH EMIGRATION IN SOMALIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to find out the factors that influence youth emigration in Somalia. Specifically, the objectives of this study were to determine the influence of the variables: employment, education, security and social network on youth emigration in Somalia. In the literature review the migration theories namely, the Pull and Push factors Theory, Neo-classical Theory, the Human Capital Theory, and Migration Networks Theory were discussed. Similarly, empirical review on related literature was done. The study used descriptive research design which was preferred for deeper understanding of the problem. The target population of the study was 15,598, and the sample size was 390 drawn from the study’s target population. Purposive sampling was the method used to select the sample.  Data was collected using one set of questionnaire divided into two parts. The first was used to record the profile of the respondent while the second part of the questionnaire captured the opinions of the respondent with respect to the study variables.  Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Averages, correlation, regression analysis and hypothesis testing were done using SPSS software.  The study found that the independent variables: education, employment and social network have significant influence on the dependant variable: youth emigration in Somalia. The study finds that education has the most significant influence on youth emigration followed by employment and social network as the second and third factors having most significant influence on youth emigration respectively. The perception of youth on the quality of education at home as well as their perception on the recognition of the academic credentials persuades many of them to leave the country for better education elsewhere. Unemployment and underemployment are also responsible for the emigration of many youths from the country. Therefore, the government, using the national resources and its power as the legitimate authority in the country must come up with strategies, firstly to increase free access to education, and secondly to ensure that appropriate policies and standards are set to improve the quality of education in the country. The government must also put in place programs to reduce unemployment in the country, particularly targeting youth unemployment such as the creation of skill building programs for youth.  

Key terms: Emigration, Immigration, Education, Employment, Security, Social network, Youth