Authors : Evance Enock Sanga.; Herbert Samwel Temba

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/msxe8xsa

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2fny23xj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec966

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Abstract : This qualitative phenomenological study explores the survival strategies and livelihood practices of unemployed youth in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Drawing on the Strength-Based Approach and Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the research examines how youth mobilize social, human, and financial capital to navigate economic exclusion. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 purposively selected unemployed youth. Findings reveal that youth rely heavily on peer networks for emotional and material support, engage in informal income- generating activities such as petty trade, bodaboda transport, and digital hustling, and participate in community-based groups like VICOBA for financial inclusion. Despite demonstrating significant agency and resilience, these strategies remain precarious and unsustainable due to structural barriers, limited access to formal empowerment programs, and systemic vulnerabilities. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reform, programmatic scaling of proven interventions, and community-driven initiatives to foster sustainable youth livelihoods.

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