Somali Youth Organizations: Contributio and Challenges to the Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Process In Somalia

ABSTRACT This research established the relationship between Somali Youth Organizations and peace building and reconciliation in Mogadishu, Somalia. As specific objectives this study was set; to determine the profile of respondents; to determine the contribution of youth organizations towards peace building and reconciliation; level of peace and reconciliation in Mogadishu; challenges facing youth organizations in peace building; and lastly, the relationship between youth organizations and peace building and reconciliation was established. The researcher employed descriptive correlation design and used Slovene’s formula to determine a sample size of 109 from a target population of 150. Sampling was done using simple random sampling technique. Information was obtained from respondents through self-administered questionnaires and the researcher followed all the ethical considerations of research. Data was analyzed in both qualitative and quantitatively using statistical techniques such as frequency, percentages, mean and correlation matrix as well as regression matrix. Findings indicated that youth organizations have highly contributed to peace building and reconciliation (at overall mean of 2.660; it was also found out that the level of peace and reconciliation in Mogadishu is quite high (at overall mean value of (2.73); the level of challenges facing the youth participation in peace building and reconciliation process is also found to be high (at overall mean value of 275); and finally a positive significant relationship was observed between effectiveness of youth organizations and peace building and reconciliation process at R. value of .988, R. Square value of .975; Beta of .988; and significant value of 0.00. The validates the null hypothesis and validates Lederach’s theory of grassroots participation; it found out that what some other researchers have said about the level of peace building and reconciliation process in Mogadishu is quite different; The study rejected the null hypothesis and stated that there is a positive significant relationship between the two variables.It was therefore recommended that government should increase its support to youth organizations; training of youth on reconciliation and peace building activities should also be put in place; youth should always be given chance to participate in peace process such that they can get skills and experience.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prelimineries Page

Declaration A i

Declaration B Ill

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Abstract vi

Ust of Acronyms and Abbreviation vii

Table of Contents viii

Ust of Tables xl

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 4

General Objective 5

Specific Objectives 5

Research Questions 5

Research Hypothesis 6

Scope of the Study 6

Significance of the Study 8

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 10

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors /Experts 11

Theoretical Perspectives 25

Related StudIes 27

viii

Three METHODOLOGY 30

Research Design 30

Research Population 30

Sample Size 31

Population and Sample Size 31

Sampling Procedures 32

Research Instrument 32

Validity and Reliability 33

Determination of Reliability and Validity of Instrument 33

Data Gathering Procedures 34

Data Analysis 35

Ethical Considerations 36

Limitations of the Study 37

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 39

Five SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS 53

Summary of Findings 53

Conclusions

Recommendations 56

Areas for Further Research 57

References 58

Apendices 62

Appendix IA: Transmittal Letter from CHDR 62

Appendix IB: Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 63