Trends in the development of micro and small enterprises and the challenges of TVET programs in Ethiopia: Implication for curriculum development

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the development trends of micro and small enterprises and the challenges of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) interventions in Ethiopia, focusing on Bahir Dar City. For this purpose, a mixed methods research approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data from archives and interviews with officers, trainers, and enterprise owners was employed. The results of the study revealed an increase in enterprise enrollment from 2008 to 2021. However, the overall development progress remained notably low, as indicated by the limited proportions of enterprises reaching maturity stages. Moreover, the planning and implementation of TVET programs were found to be misaligned with the needs of various employment sectors, primarily due to lack of occupational standards, inadequacies in trainer availability, and deficiencies in skills and resources. This study proposed strategies to improve current performance and to address systemic challenges sustainably, including training on curriculum development.