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Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) in Promoting Youth Employment, Reducing Poverty, and Enhancing Livelihoods in Cross River State

Umaru, Musa, Kurah, Alheri Nomdono, Ekane, Peter Magam, Unoh, Grace Inyang

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme in promoting youth employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing livelihoods in Cross River State. Specifically, the study examined the effects of YEIDEP, Technical and Vocational Education and Training , and Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training on youth unemployment. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were analyzed using logistic regression. The findings revealed that all the explanatory variables had negative relationships with youth unemployment, consistent with economic a priori expectations. YEIDEP significantly reduced youth unemployment (β = -0.272708, p < 0.05), while YDPAT had the strongest and most significant effect (β = -0.482909, p < 0.01). Although TVET also reduced youth unemployment (β = -0.268938), its effect was not statistically significant at the 5% level. The overall model was statistically significant (LR p < 0.05), indicating that the explanatory variables jointly explain variations in youth unemployment. The study concludes that YEIDEP is an effective intervention for promoting youth employment and improving livelihoods P-ISSN 2695-186X in Cross River State, particularly when complemented by digital skills development. It recommends increased government funding for YEIDEP, greater investment in digital skills training, improved implementation of TVET programmes, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation to enhance programme effectiveness.

Keywords

YEIDEPyouth employmentpoverty reductionlivelihoodsTVETdigital skillsCross River State.

References

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