Narrative Hope and Despair: Exploring Khat Use Behavior Among Educated but Unemployed Young People In Jimma

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.