Abstract:
The main objective of the study was to assess the determinants of higher education institution
graduates self-employment in Ginchi of West Shawa Zone. Descriptive and explanatory research
design was employed to conduct the study. Both qualitative and quantitative research approach were
employed to conduct the study. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data
was collected by using questionnaire and key informant interview. Quantitative data obtained through
questionnaire was collected from 120 respondents who were selected by using simple random lottery
sampling technique. The key informants were selected using purposive sampling technique. Secondary
data involved reviewing relevant local reports, and documents from the Ginchi town. Quantitative data
was analyzed using Statistical packages for social science version 20. Qualitative data collected
through in-depth interview and from document records was analyzed with narrative description. The
findings of the study revealed that access to credit service, access to government policy and support,
willingness to take risk, salaried graduates family entrepreneurial background, availability of start-up
capital, innovative and creative behavior, motivation and incentives, and perception of graduates
towards self-employment had statistically significant and affects graduates self-employment in the
study area. Therefore, the study recommends policy makers, Ginchi town micro and small enterprises
youth office and all concerned bodies should give due attention on identified determinant factors to
enhance the participation of graduates in their own business thereby reduce graduates unemployment.
