Challenges and Opportunities in Allocating Local Government Youth Development Funds for Poverty Alleviation Among Youth in Tanzania

This study evaluates the implementation of the statutory requirement for Mbeya City to allocate 4% of its ownsource revenue toward youth poverty alleviation. A mixedmethods approach was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data to assess fund management and impact. The quantitative component involved structured questionnaires with 109 youth participants, stratified by age, gender, and education, to gauge their awareness, access, and experiences with the Youth Development Fund (YDF). Qualitative data were collected through 23 indepth interviews with local government officials, community development officers, and NGO stakeholders, alongside four focus group discussions with youth beneficiaries. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while ATLAS.ti facilitated thematic coding for qualitative data. The findings show high youth awareness (82%) and a notable increase in funding applications over five years. However, challenges such as inconsistent disbursement, underfunding, delayed allocations, and low loan repayment rates hinder the fund's effectiveness. The study concludes that while the 4% mandate reflects a policy commitment to youth empowerment, its transformative potential is limited by weak implementation. Recommendations include better financial planning, secure budgetary allocations, and capacity-building for youth, and stronger institutional accountability to enhance the fund’s impact.