Paper Title
YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES: ANALYSIS OF POLICY VERSUS PERFORMANCE, THE CITY OF BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract
Abstract - Ethiopia is a developing country with a demographic profile dominated by a young population. Due to biological, psychological, socio-economic factors, young people particularly those aged 15-29 years are less participating in socio-economic, political and cultural issues of policy formulation, decision-making and implementation processes. This paper presents the extent of youth participation in decision-making processes concerning policy or plan of action against performances in the city of Bahir Dar. The study relies on both descriptive and explanatory type of qualitative methods through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions and reviewing of documents. The main theme of this study is the need to investigate the relation between youth policy and their practices, views of youth and experiences. The result relating to socio-cultural influences which create poor lobbying and advocacy skills to deal with youth issues, lack of coordination between government sectors, NGOs and CBOs(Community Based Organizations) and shortage of financial provision, loose controlling and monitoring system of organizational arrangements. Although, the youth policy seems an opportunity to raise their socio-economic, political and cultural issues but the government role is still at an infant stage. Therefore, the current government structure is highly recommended to enhance the youth participation in their affaires of politics and policy formulations. Keywords - Decision-Making Processes, Participation, Youth, Policy