The objective of this study is to identify the causes of recidivism and strategies for prevention in Bahir Dar town prison administration. To achieve the objective, a mixed methods research design was employed. The study participants were recruited by employing purposive sampling technique. Due to its manageability a comprehensive sampling techniques was used for the recidivists. Thus all the recidivists, 107, were included in the study. Informants of qualitative research were also recruited purposively. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Primary data was collected from recidivists through questionnaires and in-depth interview. Whereas secondary data involved the review of, records of police and prison authorities, documents of the government and various publications and reports. The quantitative data from the recidivists were analyzed by using descriptive statistics while the qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The major causes that contribute for recidivism were economic problems (i.e. poverty, unemployment, poor living conditions), family problems (family conflict, lack of love and affection, lack of close supervision, divorce, death of one or both parents) and psychological problems (anxiety, depression, stress, psychotic). Moreover, the study revealed that labeling, discrimination, false witness, lack of adequate rehabilitation and reintegration services are important causes for recidivism. Recidivists experience discrimination and marginalization, lack of financial and material support, no job opportunities; and the rest do not have families and relatives. These challenges affect their reintegration processes. Consequently, these challenges are pushing factors for reoffending. Besides, the study revealed that strategies for dealing with recidivism include rehabilitation program in prison, reintegration programs, and family development program. from this ,it can be conclude the intention of this research was to identify the major causes of recidivism , and strategies for prevention it shall be used as an input to reorganize the existing correctional services to address the needs. Finally, it is recommended that the prison center and other stakeholders should provide sufficient rehabilitation and reintegration services for recidivists.