AN EXAMINATION OF YOUTH POVERTY IN TA NGABU’S AREA IN CHIKHWAWA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN MALAWI

Abstract

This study examined the factors responsible for high levels of youth poverty in TA Ngabu‟s area in Chikhwawa District, where despite of the existence of various Poverty Reduction Interventions, youth poverty has kept rearing its ugly head. While using data collected from SGVH Malemia, GVH Kunyinda, and GVH Kalua, the study employed the Entitlements and Capabilities Approach and the Transformative Works and Opportunity Space framework to model youth poverty. Using a mixed method study design, data was collected using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews and was analysed using content, narrative, and statistical analyses. Results show that, while there is high level of awareness on Poverty Reduction Interventions among the youth in the area of TA Ngabu, most of the youth do not actively participate or patronise such Poverty Reduction Interventions. Evidence from the study area suggests that nepotism or favouritism practices during beneficiary identification, low levels of education, restrictions from parents, and the remoteness of places of residence limit the youth from becoming active participants in Poverty Reduction Intervention activities and hence youth poverty. Thus, a policy space that addresses social, cultural, political, and geographical barriers to youth participation in Poverty Reduction Interventions would therefore be desirable towards reducing chronic poverty among the youth in this study area.