Abstract:
Employment opportunities for young people are among the critical development challenges
facing the country. In this regard, the government of Ethiopia set aside initiatives of youth funds
economic development the study to analyze the practices of fund utilization by youths in Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises in the study area, to assess the perception of youths among fund
utilization in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in study area, to explore the key challenges
of fund utilization by youths in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in study area and to
examine the possible opportunities of fund utilization by youths in Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises in Ilu Gelan Woreda. The study is based on primary data collected from 137 youths
(18-34 years) by using self-administered questionnaires and those were involved in utilization of
funds in study area. Additional information was also obtained from key informants, focus group
discussion and observation. To conduct this study, mixed research approach (qualitative and
quantitative) was employed .The statements from scheduled key interview and Focus group
discussion of qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Key findings revealed that
the majority of respondents do have poor communication on the availability of funds after taking
the fund, majority of respondents had insufficient trainings on their entrepreneurships and the
government also create suitable environments for youths in utilization of fund .From the study it
is concluded that youths make well proper coordination and well group formation among their
members. Finally, from the study it is recommended that the government should change the
registration procedures in youth revolving fund by youths in Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises in study area.
