CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Youth political participation is a crucial aspect of democratic governance and socioeconomic development (Verba et al., 1995). In European countries, youth political participation has been a subject of interest for many scholars. For instance, a study by Henn and Weinstein (2013) found that young people in the UK are increasingly disengaging from traditional forms of politics. Similarly, a study by Grasso (2014) in Italy found that young people are more likely to participate in unconventional forms of politics, such as protests and demonstrations.

In Africa, youth political participation is also an important area of study. For example, a study by Resnick (2011) found that young people in Africa are increasingly participating in politics, but often through informal channels. Similarly, a study by Bratton (2012) found that young people in Africa are more likely to participate in politics if they have access to education and information.

In Cameroon, where this study is carried out, youth political participation is also an important area of study. For instance, a study by Awasom (2012) found that young people in Cameroon are increasingly participating in politics, but often face challenges such as lack of access to education and information. Youth political participation is a crucial aspect of democratic governance and socioeconomic development. In Cameroon, youths constitute a significant proportion of the population, and their participation in politics is essential for the country’s development in all of the 10 Regions of Cameroon. However, the level of youth political participation in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas like Kumbo Town, is relatively low. This study aims to investigate the relationship between youth political participation and socioeconomic development in Kumbo Town, Bui Division.

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite the importance of youth political participation, many youths in Kumbo Town are not actively involved in politics. This lack of participation has significant implications for socioeconomic development in Kumbo Town, as youths barely contribute to decision-making processes that affect their lives. Furthermore, the socioeconomic challenges facing Kumbo Town, such as poverty, unemployment, the ongoing political unrest and limited access to education and healthcare, may be seen by the lack of youth political participation in Kumbo town.

1.3 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1.3.1 Main question

1. How does youth’s participation in politics influence socio-economic development in Kumbo Town?
2. What is the level of political participation among youths in Kumbo Town?
3. What is the relationship between youth political participation and socioeconomic development in Kumbo Town?
4. What factors facilitate or hinder youth political participation in Kumbo Town?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.4.1Main research objective

To investigate how youths political participation influence political participation

1.4.2 Specific research objective

 1.To examine the level of political participation among youths in Kumbo Town

2.To investigate the relationship between youth political participation and socioeconomic development in Kumbo Town

3.To identify the factors that  facilitates or hinder youth political participation in Kumbo Town