INFLUENCE OF STREET HAWKING ON THE ENTREPRENUERIAL SKILLS OF OUT OF SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN THE COSMOPOLITAN TOWN OF BUEA, CAMEROON

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of street hawking on the entrepreneurial skills of out of school adolescents in the cosmopolitan town of Buea in Cameroon. Indicators of street hawking were calculation skills, negotiation skills and communication. Methodologically the research adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample was made of 30 children street hawkers in some neighbourhoods in Buea, Cameroon. The data collected was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage counts) to answer research questions and inferential statistics (Logistic Regression Model) to test and verify the hypotheses. From the data analysed, the findings showed that; Majority (56%) respondents agreed that they have communication skills while some (44%) respondents disagreed. Some (47.4%) respondents agreed that they have calculation skills while majority (52.7%) respondents disagreed. Majority (57.4%) respondents agreed they have negotiation skills while some (40.6%) respondents disagreed. The study recommended that entrepreneurship should be encourage as a way of life to youngsters and it should be a subject at the elementary levels to boast children’s calculation skills, negotiation skills and communication skills in their formative years of development.