Abstract: Despite the high burden of malnutrition and the increasing demand for nutrition services in Somalia, many nutrition graduates remain unemployed or underemployed. This study examined barriers contributing to the mismatch between nutrition education and labour market opportunities. A mixed-method cross-sectional design was employed involving 120 respondents, including nutrition graduates, employers, and academic staff. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Findings revealed a high unemployment rate among respondents (62.9%), with only 37.1% employed. A substantial proportion (69.7%) were working outside their field of specialization, indicating a significant skills mismatch. Employment opportunities were largely limited to short-term humanitarian partner-supported positions, which had declined by approximately 90%. Weak integration of nutrition services into the health system—particularly the absence of dedicated nutrition and dietetics posts in hospitals—further constrained employment. Additional barriers included donor dependency, limited private sector engagement, weak integration of nutrition into health systems, and the absence of professional regulation and national dietary reference standards.
The study concludes that unemployment among nutrition graduates in Somalia is driven by structural and institutional weaknesses across the health system, education sector, and policy environment. Strengthening workforce planning, curriculum relevance, professional regulation, and sustainable job creation is essential to improve employability and optimize the nutrition workforce.
Keywords: Nutrition graduates; employment barriers; skills mismatch; Somalia; workforce.
Title: Barriers to Career-Relevant Employment Among Nutrition Graduates in Somalia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Author: Mowlid M. Isse (Dr. Tadhah)
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026
Page No: 313-320
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-May-2026
