Authors : Elders Massango; Gaspar Lourenço Tocoloa

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3r7njn77

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bsc6ttr5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2343

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study, entitled "Evaluation of the Employability of Young University Graduates in the Agricultural Sector in the City of Mocuba (2019–2023)," analyzes the level of professional integration of graduates from Zambeze University, identifies the main challenges faced, and characterizes the sociodemographic profile of young graduates during this period. The study began with the recognition that, although the agricultural sector is strategic for the economic development of Mozambique, its capacity to absorb qualified labor, especially young people, remains limited. Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach of an applied nature was adopted, with quantitative and qualitative methods and descriptive-exploratory objectives. This study was a case study conducted in the city of Mocuba, involving 220 graduates from the Agronomic Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Forestry Engineering, and Animal Science Engineering programs, out of a total of 475 graduates from UniZambeze between 2019 and 2023. Data were collected through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using statistical techniques and thematic interpretation. The results revealed that, of the 475 graduates from that period, 63% are unemployed, 30% have formal employment, and 6% are involved in alternative activities such as internships, informal work, and self-employment. The main obstacles identified were the scarcity of job opportunities (26.1%), the requirement for prior experience (16.5%), and corruption in recruitment processes (14.6%). A statistically significant, albeit weak, relationship was also found between the course of study and employability, with Agronomic Engineering standing out as the area with the highest placement rate. It is concluded that the employability of young graduates in the agricultural sector in Mocuba is affected by structural limitations, a disconnect between training and the market, and the absence of effective university-to-work transition policies. Strengthening internship programs, encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship, and creating institutional mechanisms that bring academic training closer to local productive dynamics are recommended.

Keywords : Employability. Youth. Agricultural Sector. Labor Market

References :

1. Alexandre , YNA (2024). Impact of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises on reducing unemployment in Mozambique, between 2010 and 2020. Eduardo Mondlane University, Faculty of Economics, Maputo.
2. Bardin , L. (2011). Content Analysis (Rev. and enlarged ed.). Lisbon: Edições 70. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com.br/An%C3%A1lise-conte%C3%BAdo-Laurence-Bardin/dp/972441240X
3. Botelho , DMR (2016). The insertion of young people into the labor market: the case of young people with secondary education [Master's thesis, Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal]. Retrieved from https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstreams/d9ef2091-1597-49cb-a76a-6722cd5ea1d5/download
4. Castel -Branco, R. (2024, August). Factors of conflict in Mozambique – Unemployment, precarious work and social insecurity in an extractive economy. Destaque Rural, (293).
5. Cau, BM, & Arnaldo, C. (2014, December). Adolescents and young people in Mozambique: A perspective. Center for Population and Health Research (CEPSA). Maputo.
6. CEIC. (2022). Economic and social report of Mozambique. Center for Development Research Studies.
7. Chihanhe, AC, Mananze, SE, & Machava, CM (2022). Agribusiness in Mozambique: A look at the past, present and future perspectives. In V National and I International Colloquium on Agribusiness Research. Federal University of Santa Maria – Palmeira das Missões Campus.
8. Creswell, JW (2007). Qualitative and Quantitative Research (2nd ed.). Penso.
9. Floriano, A. (2018). Report on youth employability in the city of Maputo. MASP – Consultoria e Serviços, Lda. Retrieved from https://pt.scribd.com/document/638820447/Relatorio-EmpregabilidadeJovensMaputo
10. Fugate, M., Kinicki , A.J., & Ashforth, B.E. (2004). Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 14–38.
11. Gil, AC (2008). Methods and techniques of social research (6th ed.). São Paulo: Atlas. Retrieved from https://ayanrafael.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gil-ac-mc3a9todos-e-tc3a9cnicas-de-pesquisa-social.pdf
12. Government of Mozambique. (2024). National Development Strategy 2025 to 2044. Ministry of Economy and Finance.
13. National Institute of Statistics (INE), & United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2023). The socioeconomic situation of youth in Mozambique. National Institute of Statistics.
14. National Institute of Statistics (INE). (2020). Mozambique Agricultural Census 2020: Final Report. Retrieved from https://www.ine.gov.mz
15. National Institute of Statistics (INE). (2023). Household Budget Survey 2022/2023. Maputo: INE.
16. Lachler, U., & Walker, I. (2018). Employment Diagnosis in Mozambique. Volume 1: Diagnosis. World Bank.
17. Lakatos, EM, & Marconi, MA (2017). Fundamentals of scientific methodology (8th ed.). São Paulo: Atlas. Retrieved from https://docente.ifrn.edu.br/olivianeta/disciplinas/copy_of_historia-i/historia-ii/china-e-india/view
18. Macassa, CCI (2020). Professional experience and the entry of recent graduates into the labor market: a look at the actions of the main stakeholders in the city of Quelimane [Master's Dissertation, Catholic University of Mozambique].
19. MADER. (2020). Sustenta Program: PACE Approach - Small Emerging Commercial Farmer. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Retrieved from https://www.agricultura.gov.mz/
20. Marconi, MA, & Lakatos, EM (2017). Fundamentals of scientific methodology (9th ed.). Atlas Publisher.
21. MASA. (2018). Biennial report evaluating the implementation of the Malabo Declaration in Mozambique. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
22. Miles , MB, & Huberman, AM (2002). The qualitative researcher's companion (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
23. Platform of Young Leaders. (June 22, 2017). Workshop report: Mozambican youth and the economic crisis – creative alternatives. Hotel VIP Grand Maputo.
24. Republic of Mozambique. (2013). National Youth Policy. Ministry of Youth and Sports.
25. Republic of Mozambique. (2022). Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector 2030. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
26. Republic of Mozambique. (2022). National Agricultural Sector Investment Plan II 2022–2026. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Retrieved from https://www.agricultura.gov.mz/
27. Severino, AJ (2007). Methodology of scientific work (23rd ed.). São Paulo: Cortez.
28. Sitoe, A. (2014). Agriculture and food security in Mozambique: Policies, challenges and perspectives. UEM Scientific Journal, 1(2), 34–47.
29. Zambeze University. (2023). Courses offered at the Mocuba Campus. Retrieved from https://www.unizambeze.ac.mz
30. Vergara, SC (2016). Research projects and reports in administration (15th ed.). São Paulo: Atlas. Retrieved from https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/5865442/mod_resource/content/1/Vergara_Projetos_e_Relatorios.pdf
31. Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An introductory analysis (2nd ed.). New York: Harper and Row. Recuperado em https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292271535_Yamane_T_1967_Statistics_An_Introductory_Analysis_2nd_Ed_New_York_Harper_and_Row
32. Yin, R. K. (2005). Estudo de caso: Planejamento e métodos (3ª ed.). Porto Alegre: Bookman. Recuperado em http://maratavarespsictics.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/74304716/3-YIN-planejamento_metodologia.pdf
33. Yorke, M. (2006). Employability in higher education: What it is – what it is not. Learning and Employability Series 1. The Higher Education Academy.