Determinants Of Higher Education Graduates Self-Employment: The Case Of Ginchi Town West Shawa Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia

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.