Abstract:
This qualitative study explored the narratives of hope and despair surrounding khat use
among educated but unemployed young people in Jimma city. Employing a case study
design, the research investigates the patterns and motivations of khat use, the interplay
between unemployment, despair, hope, and khat consumption, and the social and cultural
factors influencing this behavior. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 20
participants selected through snowball sampling and analyzed thematically. Key findings
reveal that khat use serves as both a coping mechanism for unemployment-induced stress
and a means to construct temporary hopeful narratives. Participants described khat as
alleviating despair by providing short-term joy and social bonding, though it often
exacerbated long-term challenges, such as financial strain and social isolation.
Structural barriers including corruption, limited job opportunities, and societal stigma
were identified as root causes of unemployment, driving reliance on khat. The study
highlights the paradoxical role of khat: while it fosters momentary hope and community
among users, it also perpetuates cycles of dependency and hinders proactive job-seeking.
This research contributes offering insights for policymakers to address youth
unemployment and khat use through holistic interventions.
