Post-conflict challenges and aspirations of Tigray Youth, Ethiopia: A needs assessment and recovery roadmap

This article presents the results of a rapid needs assessment conducted to determine the postwar status, needs, challenges, and aspirations of Tigray youth. The study was sponsored by the Tigray Youth Association (TYA) and aimed at designing a recovery roadmap. This article is thus an excerpt of the wider study with a practical touch of reality. Using mixed-methods approaches, researchers from Mekelle University collected data from 508 youth respondents through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and 60 focused group discussions. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques to identify patterns and develop themes relevant to the study's objectives. The main objective of the study was to provide information that would support relevant stakeholders in developing effective interventions aimed at addressing the unique needs of Tigray youth. The study also sought to ensure that proper ethical considerations were followed while collecting and analyzing data. The report highlights critical findings, including the need to prioritize youth needs and engage them in postwar recovery efforts. The report concludes with several recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on how best to address the complex realities of Tigray youth in the post-conflict context.   Key words: Tigray youth, youth association, postwar recovery, challenges and aspirations, stakeholders’ intervention, youth needs and aspirations.