Theses and Dissertations Collection
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/1004
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Factors contributing to girls’ dropout in rural primary schools: the case study of Morogoro district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Pesha, John ChrisostomThe government of Tanzania formulated different educational programmes in order to improve the quality of primary education and ensure that every citizen gets primary education. Such programmes were UPE in 1970s and PEDP in 2001. Both programmes brought impressive results in education sector because the quality of basic education was improved and enrollment rate increased to 97% countrywide. Despite the above mentioned achievements, findings from different studies reveal (hat girls' dropout continues to take place in both urban and rural primary schools. For example, in 2005, girls' dropout rate was more than 35% countrywide and in 2006 dropout rate reached 62.3% in Morogoro District. In addition, a large number of girls fail to complete primary education in rural areas. This study examined factors contributing to girls' dropout in rural primary schools. Morogoro District was taken as a case study. The study was conducted in Mikese, Kiroka. Mkambarani and Kinole wards. Simple random sampling was used to select the four wards. The study involved 100 girls who dropped from primary schools and snow ball sampling procedure was employed to select them. Purposive sampling procedure was applied to select pupils for FGD and key informants, namely: parents, teachers. governmental officials and political leaders because with purposive sampling, the study is likely to get actual information from target population. Key informants discussion, Focus Group Discussion and secondary sources were used to gather supplementary information. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data and the results revealed that girls’ dropout in rural primary schools were caused by income poverty at household level, child labour, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, loss of parents and biological and social changes occurring during adolescence and puberty periods, The study, therefore, recommends that the government especially the responsible ministries should work with other stakeholders Including NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and the community in fighting and eliminating all undesirable cultural practices like early marriage in order to support girls’ education. Moreover, the study also recommends that, the government should review The Law Marriage Act of 1971 so as to stop pre - mature marriages and create conducive environment for girls to study and complete primary education successfully.Item Contribution of hakielimu on primary school child enrollment among pastoral societies in Simanjiro district, Manyara region(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Rabiel, NeemaA study was conducted in Manyara, Simanjiro District to determine the contribution of HakiElimu on primary school child enrollment among pastoral societies. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the nature of assistance HakiElimu provides to schools, to establish the mechanisms used to boost enrollment, to establish the extent to which HakiElimu has increased child enrollment and to determine the attitudes of parents towards HakiElimu activities. A cross- sectional research design was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to acquire a sample size of 93 respondents from villages which HakiElimu operates. Questionnaires were administered to collect data from respondents where the method of before and after HakiElimu programs was used to get the difference. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions was used to collect qualitative data. SPSS software was used for analyzing quantitative data, whereby descriptive statistics and t- test analysis was carried out. The findings suggest that, the mean enrollment before HakiElimu program was 151, while the mean enrollment after HakiElimu was 171. However, the findings were not significant at 0.05 level of significant. Based on the findings, it was concluded that HakiElimu programs made no significant effect on child enrollment in primary school since cases of low enrollment rate in rural primary schools still persist. The study recommends that HakiElimu and other institutions should go beyond giving educational seminars and brochures and make more efforts on community mobilization to make sure the whole community understands the importance of education in their lives.Item The role of wild food plants in household food security: a case study of Lushoto District(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Luflenge, LuluThis study explores the various wild food plants and their role in household food security in Kweminyasa. Mahange, Funta and Balangai villages of Lushoto district. Data were collected through questionnaires checklist, focus group discussion and informal discussion. The SPSS programme was used for analyzing quantitative data, . where descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were done. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative information. Plant specimen identification was done by the help of botanist, taxonomists and checklist. Useful species were identified in the study villages, which included 6 species of mushroom, 17 species of vegetable and 13 species of edible fruits. The values of crude protein ranged from 1.18 to 5.6%, while crude fibre was from 2.1 to 39.4%. Ash content ranged from 0.02 to 8.6 percent and moisture content ranged from 64.9 to 87.9%. The results of nutrient composition further showed that the mean value of vitamin C ranged from 3.10 to 27.2 mg/100 in fruits and 1.60 to 10.60 mg/100 in wild vegetables. The mineral contents were; calcium (45.0 to 863.5 mg/lOOg), magnesium (48.8 to 430.8 mg/lOOg), iron (1.7 to 44.4 mg/100), potassium (221.6 to 984.7 mg/lOOg), and sodium (32.0 to 296.4 mg/lOOg). The study revealed that households in the surveyed villages had a high reliance on wild food plants not only for livelihood (consumption and sale). It was noted that women were the main actors in the collection, processing and preservation of the wild food products. The nutritive value of most wild food plants was good and sometimes better than domesticated expensive foods and could thus substitute the expensive domesticated food items. More research is needed to explore the nutrient comparison of wild and domesticated species and their nutrient bioavailabilty by checking presence of antinutritional factors in them that interfere with absorption of nutrients. Detailed studies need to be conducted to document and protect local knowledge on wild foods that could easily be lost.Item Comparative assessment of pupils’ academic performance in regular and nomadic primary schools: a case of Taraba state, Nigeria(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Yusuf, Joshua FachanoThis study investigated factors influencing pupils’ academic performance in regular and nomadic primary schools in Taraba State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined factors at pupils’ level that influence regular and nomadic primary school pupil’s academic performance. Next assessed factors at parents level that influence regular and nomadic primary school pupil’s academic performance. Furthermore, the study identified factors at teachers level that influence regular and nomadic primary schools pupil’s academic performance, and examined factors at school level that influence regular and nomadic primary schools pupils’ academic performance, and finally, the study examined factors at local government level that influence regular and nomadic primary schools pupil’s academic performance, and described at state government level factors that influence regular and nomadic primary school pupil’s academic performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. Pupils, parents, and teachers were randomly selected, while school administrators were selected purposively. T-test and descriptive statistics (chi-square, frequencies and percentages) were used to analyse and interpret data obtained from respondents. The study found that regular primary schools pupils’ performed better than their counterparts in nomadic primary schools. The study recommends among others that, the local government in Taraba State should collaborate with regular and nomadic primary school administrators and mount seminars to parents on the value of education particularly in nomadic primary schools. Provide schools with adequate classrooms, buildings, chairs, desks, tables, chalkboards, textbooks, among many others for effective teaching and learning. The local government too should pay allowances to teachers, employ qualified teachers, particularly in nomadic schools, and improve teachers’ welfare.Item An investigation into outsourcing towards efficiency improvement, span of control and operational costs reduction in public universities in Morogoro region(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Muhanga, Mikidadi IddThis study was conducted to investigate into outsourcing towards efficiency improvement, span of control and operational costs reduction in public universities (PUs) in Morogoro region Mzumbe University and Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically the study had the following objectives: (a) to investigate operationalization of outsourcing in PUs, (b) to assess the potentiality of outsourcing towards efficiency improvement and span of control reduction, (c) to assess cost effectiveness of outsourcing as a management strategy and (d) To review and compare the levels of outsourcing in PUs in Morogoro and recommend on the possibility of outsourcing for efficiency enhancing and lowering costs. The study is based on a survey of the Departments of Personnel, Finance, Planning and Admissions in PUs in Morogoro plus the private companies providing services in PUs in Morogoro. A checklist was used to collect information from the heads of departments plus the private services providers (PSPs) representatives. Data analysis entailed of a number of descriptive statistics and cross tabs. Results revealed that outsourcing in PUs in Morogoro is guided by the Public Procurement (Goods, Works, Non-consultant Services and Disposal of Public Assets by Tender) Regulations of 2005. Significant reductions in span of control has been registered through outsourcing management strategy, efficiency has been enhanced to those responsible for supervision, and it was further revealed that outsourcing is cost effective than “own managing” with respect to non core functions, PUs have registered significant reductions in operational costs. The study recommended that: PUs need to conduct organizational analysis and planning, merge cadres, establish secretarial pools and insist on ICT competence among the Senior and Middle level Officers and pursue further outsourcing of their non core functions which constitute most of under qualified staff in PUs, this will enhance efficiency, reduce both operational costs and span of control. Overall the study asserts that outsourcing has a value to add in PUs management in Tanzania.Item Performance of pupils in primary school education under Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP): a case study of Morogoro district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Nonna, Makaranga ReverianThis study was conducted in Morogoro District in Morogoro Region. Tanzania. The main objective of the study was to investigate the pupils' performance in primary schools under Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP) in Morogoro District. A simple random sampling procedure was employed to obtain 130 respondents from two Divisions namely: Mkuyuni and Matombo. Data were collected through administration of a structured questionnaire. Focus Group Discussion (FGDS). key informant interviews and direct observation. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Computer Programme was used to analyse quantitative data where as content analysis was used for qualitative data. The study revealed that poor pupils' performance in Primary Schools in Morogoro District was affected by a series of factors: among others include low income and educational levels of parents\ guardians, inadequacy meals, teachers' economical status and motivation and low government support in the education sector. The study also found out that the Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP) in Morogoro District was not well addressed, as it only covered small portion of school facilities and expanding pupil enrolments while looked down on the teacher's welfare, hence resulted into serious shortage of teachers. The study concluded that, poor learning and leaching environment was the major factors for poor performance by pupils. However, the study recommends that the central government through local government authorities should put in place a in service training to teachers in order to enhance and develop new teaching skills to teachers. Lastly, the government should significantly improve teachers’ welfare through sound salaries, better accommodation and timely paid allowances.Item Mobile based system for electronic learning content delivery and accessibility: a case of higher education institutions in Tanzania(Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, 2014) Mahenge, Michael Pendo JohnThe advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought new opportunities for learning. Tanzania is adopting the new technologies in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through e-learning. However, delivery of learning contents is becoming a challenge for HEIs due to the constraints in resources and network bandwidth. Although challenges exist, development of innovative and emerging mobile computing technologies have brought potential opportunities for enhancements of learning contents delivery and accessibility. The objective of this study was to develop a mobile application based system for e-Iearning content delivery and accessibility as a solution to high bandwidth costs of the conventional Web application based system. The proposed system can synchronize contents from some original servers to local database in mobile devices for offline use. The study was conducted in HEIs in Tanzania. Survey methodology was used to identify and assess ICTs for e-learning and system design requirements. During the survey different methods including interview, structured questionnaire and review of empirical literatures were used. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. A prototype for Mobile-LCDS was developed using UML, MySQL. PHP, XML, ANDROID and Java; and tested using a black box testing technique. Findings show that 85% of students own laptop, 65% own smartphone and 78% own mobile phone. The results provide empirical evidence that students own more than one mobile devices that can be used as tools for facilitating learning process. However, the results provide empirical evidence that the rate of adoption of mobile phones for mobile-learning in Tanzania has reached 20.3% which is still low due to fact that even though e-learning systems exist, they are not fully operational. This is caused by poor ICT infrastructures, constraints in resources and bandwidth. The results of numerical evaluation revealed that synchronizing learning contents locally in mobile devices is significant for bandwidth usage cost savings, alleviates network overload, alleviates servers’ workload and hence improves e-learning system performance. In conclusion, in order to improve e-learning content delivery and accessibility under limited resource settings, HEIs in developing countries should make an effective use of emerging mobile computing technologies which are relevant to their respective environments.Item Using computerized teaching tricks for learning and understanding mathematics in primary schools(University of Dodoma, 2015) Athuman, MgeniThe objective of this study was to develop a computer model that will be included in teaching pupils mathematics so as to make it more fun and interesting to learn. The model contains digitized contents, video shooting lessons and questions randomly generated for exercises. Data were collected through interview, questionnaire, observations and document review while the questions were built using Java language via code and fix. Twenty (20) pupils from Chief Albert primary school, nine (9) from Kikundi primary and twenty (20) teachers from various primary schools were involved in the study. Lesson sessions were prepared through video shooting and presented to pupils. With each session, each group of pupils did questions generated from a standalone computer. Clarifications on matters not understood were demonstrated verbally. Selected behavior patterns of pupils were observed during the sessions. This was done to detect their interest rate on the topics conducted. Questionnaire was filled by pupils before and after the study, while teachers filled them after the digitized contents were presented to them. Interview was conducted to primary school teachers on matters related to the lesson plan used by the school and common approach used by teachers in teaching mathematics to pupils. findings revealed that pupils at large seemed to be active during class sessions as well as during question sessions using the detecting variables set by the researcher. Also majority of teachers preferred the digitized contents to be included in the primary school curriculum since they can act as a catalyst for pupils to learn and understand mathematics.Item The impact of schooling costs on attendance and school completion of students in rural community secondary schools: a case study of selected schools in Morogoro rural district(University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Ndunguru, PatrickThis study examined the impact of schooling costs on attendance and school completion of students in rural community secondary schools. Specifically, it examined costs incurred by parents, ability of households to meet schooling costs. patterns of students’ absenteeism and dropout and the extent to which the costs were behind these problems. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Data from five sampled schools were collected through interviews, focus group discussions. documentary review and questionnaires. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed for quantifiable data. It was found out that there were significant schooling costs, and that incomes in most households were insufficient for meeting children’s educational costs. It was also found out that schooling costs were the major factor for students’ absenteeism but had very little effect on students’ dropout The study recommends that the government should educate people on how to improve their incomes through crop production, ban schools from sending students back home due to parent’s failure to meet schooling costs instead deal directly with parents, increase the education budget and find local sources of funds for community secondary schools. It is also recommended that a similar study be conducted to cover a wider area.Item The causes, effects and way-out of students’ crises in higher learning institutions(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Muyengi, Zakaria E.The objectives of this study were to examine the causes, effects and way-out of students' crises in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. The research used a simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive sampling (PS) methods. Questionnaires, interview and documentary were used as a source of information. The study information’s were drawn from three institutions namely Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Mzumbe University (MU) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (BIT). The sample comprised 150 respondents, which included students, staffs, key informants and general public. The causes of students’ crises identified were administrative aspects (48%), allowance issues (25%) and student organizations (22%). The causal factors that influenced students to participate in the striking were based on socio-economic, academic, and political factors. Nevertheless, the study found that, the level of participation in strikes by males was 75% while females were low by 5%. However, 20% of the respondents were not involved in crises. Students with direct entry qualification were more active in striking by 75% than equivalent entry students by 25%. The study showed that, the effects of students’ crises led to rushed closure of institutions that affected more female students; also, the crises hindered the improvement and progress of the institutions, devaluation of institutions. workload to lecturers and students that resulted poor performance and poor relationship between management and students, wastage of resources in terms of time and money. The respondents provided the alternative solutions towards the crises by suggesting that, the institutions should practice participatory leadership and the management should improve social and academic relationship with students.Further, the Loan Board (LB) should provide adequate allowances according to the real situation, the learning environment should be improved and ordinary training to students’ leadership should be provided.Item overty at household level and observance of education rights of disabled children in Tanzania: a case of Morogoro Municipality(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Mazome, Eleuter MedardThe majority of children with disabilities in Tanzania lack access to quality education. Since studies on education rights of disabled children in Tanzania are rare, this dissertation was formulated to generate empirical information to help policy and decision makers. The dissertation mainly looks at households’ income levels, resources allocation priorities, and attitudes of the community towards disabled children. How are these affecting observances of rights of disabled children? A hundred (100) households and 11 key informants were purposively selected for the study. A household questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data on demographic and social characteristics of households, wealth status, patterns of resources allocation, and caretakers’ perspectives on rights of disabled children. Information from the institutions and focused group discussions were collected through interviews and conversation guided by checklists of items for discussion. Also reports on children with disabilities from the municipal council, Sokoine National Agricultural Library, and the Internet were sources of secondary data. Data were analysed by using SPSS Version 12. For qualitative data analysis, content analysis was done by grouping responses with respect to differences and similarities among them. In quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics employing percentages, means, and frequencies were computed. This dissertation took one year from September 2009 to September 2010. The study found that there was a significant relationship between poverty at household level and observance of rights. About 81% of the households failed to observe the education rights of their disabled children. This caused 150 disabled children to drop out of school, 95 not to join standard I in 2009, 90% to have irregular school attendance, and 79% to perform not well academically. Basing on the findings it is concluded that cost sharing in education will increase the burden to the households and make them poorer. Therefore, there is a need to find ways to ensure that talents of disabled children are not wasted because they come from poor households.Item Dropouts and academic performance among Hadzabe girls in primary and secondary schools in Karatu district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mrisha, Upendo KazaelAccess to education is a fundamental child’s right and therefore it should be universally provided to children regardless of their sex, ethnicity and vulnerability. This study was carried out to explore the academic performance as well as dropouts and the associated determinants among the Hadzabe Girls in primary and secondary schools in Karatu District, Tanzania. The study used a multistage sampling technique whereby divisions, wards, villages, and schools were purposively selected. Simple random sampling method was used to select continuing primary school Hadzabe girls and community representatives while the dropouts were obtained by using the snowball technique. A total of 136 respondents were involved in this study. The data collection process involved a questionnaire survey, interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Binary logistic regression and Independent-samples t-test were used as inferential statistics in addition to descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, percentages and standard deviations. The findings indicated that the dropout rate of 29.7% was observed at primary school level, while that of secondary schools stood at 62.4%. It was also revealed that there was no significant difference in academic performance between the Hadzabe and non Hadzabe girls in secondary schools. However, home to school distance (p=0.044), food satisfaction (p=0.004), family migration (p=0.025) and forced marriage (p=0.046) were significant determinants for the Hadzabe girl drop out in primary school while isolation (p=0.034), distance (p=0.045), and food satisfaction (p=0.027) were significant determinants for Hadzabe girl dropout in secondary schools. The study recommends the implementation of education programmes should be participatory, considering the political and social-cultural context of the envisaged beneficiaries, and for this context, the Hadzabe communities.Item Educational challenges facing female students in secondary schools: a case of Morogoro rural district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Machimu, GervasThe study investigated the educational challenges facing female students in secondary schools in Morogoro Rural District. The specific objectives were: (i) to examine female enrolment status, (ii) to assess problems facing female students, and (iii) evaluate how educational programmes address the shortfall. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a checklist ?n<.' questionnaires supported by personal observation and formal discussion with key informants. Descriptive statistics and multiple responses were used in this study. The study was based in four schools randomly selected out of 13 secondary schools in the district namely: Nelson Mandela, Kiroka, Mkuyuni and Matombo. It involved 116 respondents (80 students, 32 teachers and four school administrators). The findings show that many female students enrolled in secondary level at the recommended age (14 - 17 years) compared to boys. Participation of girls in leadership; freedom of expression was high in the surveyed schools. A positive response of younger female teachers’ employees of 21 - 25 years age group was observed. Many girls are enrolled in secondary schools but are more likely to dropout from school compared to boys. The major problems observed in the study schools contributing to this high dropout rate were pregnancy, early marriage and truancy. Again girls were mostly engaged in domestic chores thus eroding their study time. In addition, lack of food provision programmes, hostels, distance and transport status were noted to be major problems facing girls and boys as well. One of the strongest cause of problems in the study area was more socio-cultural and is due to different beliefs including that a woman is limited to being a wife and a mother. The study also found that the influence of women in Luguru society (matrilineal system) in educating female students was slight. The study recommends the introduction of programmes that promote education to both boys and girls in the curriculum since pre-primary school to enable students understand their right to be educated. Homework policy should be shared to parents by school administrators especially in day schools. Parents might know how much time >s appropriate to spend on homework and enable girls to also work on homework. For the Luguru society respect to all parents should be insisted since pre-primary school.Item The effects of shifts in rainfall pattern on rainfall characteristics in Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Lwiyiso, Wikedzi FrancisThis study was conducted with the aim of establishing the existence of significant shifts or departures in rainfall pattern and the effect this may have on some important rainfall characteristics in different parts of the country. A sample of 21 stations from six major agro-ecological zones in Tanzania was used in the study. Start dates of the growing season in various parts of Tanzania are variable and to some extent symbolize rainfall variability. Hence in this study, shifts in rainfall pattern are assumed to be reflected in the departures of start dates of the growing season from the mean. The start dates of the growing season for the various agro-ecological zones were determined using a calibrated rainfall-based criterion. Calibration of the rainfall based criterion was achieved through use of a water balance simulation model which resulted in different sets of parameter values for each of the six agro-ecological zones. Other rainfall characteristics were derived using INSTAT statistical package. Results show that all stations in the six agro-ecological zones experience shifts in the rainfall pattern. Significant negative correlations between start dates and length of the growing season exist in all the stations with uni-modal type of rains and those with bi-modal type but for the long rains only. In other words the earlier the rains start, the longer the growing season is expected to last and vice versa.Item Gender based violence against female students in day secondary schools in Misungwi district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Lukendakenda, StellaGender Based Violence (GBV) is not a new phenomenon in Tanzanian schools. It affects majority of students throughout their lifetime and can cause physical, sexual and psychological health problems. The government of the United Republic of Tanzania has developed different programmes, strategies and policies in attempt to eradicate GBV in schools. However, there are inadequate reports on the incidence of GBV. This study assessed the incidence of GBV facing female students in day secondary schools in Misungwi District. The study specifically identified both the forms and incidence of GBV facing female students; explored the relative causes of GBV that persists in day secondary schools and assessed community’s perception towards causes of GBV against female students in the study area. Cross-sectional research design was adopted using closed and open ended questionnaires administered to 120 female students and 30 community members; two focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data for the study. Both descriptive (mean, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (binary logistic regression) were used in data analysis. Perception of community towards causes of GBV was measured by using Likert Scale. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results show the types of GBV facing female students in day secondary schools are corporal punishment, verbal abuse, forced sexual intercourse, deprivation of basic needs and early marriage. Findings show that female students are highly affected by GBV in and out of school environment and the prevalence of GBV is high. The prevalent relative causes are lack of awareness among communities and families and long distance to and from school. With regard to attitude, both community members and female students had positive perception towards causes of GBV. The study proposes raising female students awareness through clubs in schools, strengthening guidance and counseling and sensitization campaigns to the community members.Item Factors affecting community participation in primary education development projects in Makete district of Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Batwel, AlexThe Primary Education Development Program (PEDP) is one of the current education programs adopted in the country to increase the quantity and quality of primary schools in Tanzania. The overall purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting community participation in primary education projects. Specifically, the study sought to: (a) determine the level of community participation in education projects, (b) identify the socio-economic factors associated with the level of individual participation in education projects, (c) determine individual attitude towards participation in education projects (d) find out constraints that hinder individual participation in education projects. The interview schedule was used as the main tool in data collection from 120 respondents. The data collected were analysed using quantitative approach. The study shows that the majority (85.8%) of respondents participated in implementation, while 60.8%, 30.8% and 21.7% respectively participated in project identification, project planning and project evaluation. On other hand, the research found that among hypothesized factors, sex, age, income, occupation and individual participation in education projects were the factors affecting community participation in the study area. Basing on the study results it is recommended among others that there is need for central government to help in providing vital training for village leaders particularly in the area of village bylaws formulation as well as administration. Also, regular communication should be maintained between the leaders and villagers through proper scheduled meeting.Item The role of NGOs in primary school education service delivery in rural areas: a case study of Morogoro and Mvomero districts(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Chande, Maggie AmbindwileThis research began when Morogoro District included what is now known as Mvomero District. This study, to examine the role of NGOs in promoting Basic Primary School Education in rural areas was conducted in Morogoro and Mvomero rural districts with the view to broaden the community awareness and knowledge about the contribution of NGOs to the education sector. NGOs in this study are regarded as organizations involved in development activities with the objective of alleviating poverty through the promotion of primary school education sector in the rural areas. Recommended strategies that would promote co-operation between the NGOs and the two districts in improving service to universal primary school education have been presented. A strategic research design which allows collection of information from the intended groups was adopted. Data collection involved documentation, interviews and structured questionnaires, which were administered to a sample of 217 respondents. The data collected were described and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. Results showed that there is a slight performance improvement of pupils in schools supported by NGOs. The NGOs are operating in areas of infrastructure availability, whereas the remote areas of distance more than 80 kilometres from the districts’ headquarters are disadvantaged from the support. Pupils’ performance in school supported by NGOs was significant at t-test (P < 0.001). Services provided by the NGOs include, among others; the construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, provision of books, supply of teaching materials, equipments such as computers and photocopy machines; and school greening (environmental conservation).Item Socio- economic factors affecting gender equality in enrollment to community secondary schools in Maswa district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Archard, AvitiAlthough the Government of Tanzania has been addressing and promoting equal opportunity in enrollment to secondary schools for boys and girls, despite the concerted efforts, still gender disparity exists. This study was therefore conducted to examine socio economic factor affecting gender equality in enrollment to community secondary schools in Maswa District. Specifically, the study aimed to: assess students' views on socio economic factors hindering girls and boys enrollment in secondary school, assess enrollment trend for boys and girls from 2008 to 2012 for form one students, and determine the impact of socio-economic factors on the students’ enrollment to secondary school. A total of 127 respondents were involved in the study, including 80 secondary school students and 47 standard seven pupils who had missed the opportunity to join to community secondary schools in the study area. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The study identified low academic performance, income poverty, inadequate teaching and learning materials and long distance to school to be major factors impeding enrollment to secondary school. Binary logistic regression model indicates household income and long walking distance from home to school among other factors influence enrollment. The study recommended that to narrow the gap in enrollment, the government should chart out strategies to be realize in period of time to enhance enrollment by gender, also parents should ensure effective spending on their children’s education regardless to gender.Item Socio-economic factors influencing poor academic performance in primary schools in Kasulu district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Lameck, MaulidThis study was undertaken to find out the socioeconomic factors that are influencing poor academic performance of pupils in primary schools of selected Schools in Kasulu District. The study had four specific objectives; to determine family socioeconomic status on poor academic performance of pupils, to determine the school based factors to pupil’s poor academic performance, to determine the influence of home and community based factors to pupil’s poor academic performance and to explore an individual pupil’s factor led to poor academic performance in primary school. Purposive and simple random sampling procedures were used to get a sample of respondents. The data were obtained from pupils, parents and teachers, using questionnaires, interviews and observation methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and its inferential done through logistic regression (binary model). Pupils, parents and teachers respondents agreed that there is continuous downfall of academic performance among pupils in primary school. The factors identified were positively significantly influencing poor academic performance at p<0.05 were, age of pupil, sex, parents’ education level, occupation of the parent, income of the family, provision of food in school, counseling services for both girls and boys, distance between home and school, working load of students at home, number of children in classrooms, sanitation facilities, parent-child interaction and mode of transportation of children to and from school. This study recommends that there is a need for the government to establish programs to teachers and pupils, to provide enough infrastructures at school, to facilitate the process of learning and teaching, cooperation between pupils, teachers and parents at school, and increase of teacher’s commitment in teaching.Item Determinants of poor performance of secondary school students in science subjects in Wete district, Zanzibar(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Hamad, Haji AliBased on secondary school examination results, students' failure in science subjects is a current common phenomenon throughout Tanzania. This study examined determinants that have led to this situation in Wete District secondary schools, Pemba Island, Tanzania. The study, intentionally investigated home based aspects, school based issues and educational system attributes that contribute to poor performance on science subjects in Wete District secondary schools. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design in which samples of eighty seven (87) secondary school students were selected randomly and thirty three (33) secondary school teachers purposely selected for the interview. Education officers and some teachers as key informants were selected from district education office. Questionnaires were used to collect relevant primary data for the study. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were used to summarize the information obtained from respondents in the studied schools. The study was statistically significance with a p<0.005. Findings of this study showed that socio-demographic factor such as sex of respondents (p=0.020), and age of respondents (p=0.011) have negative influence on performance of students in science subjects. School based factors such as attitudes of students developed towards science subjects (p=0.016) and internet access for learning purposes (p=0.040) also have negative influence to science students. Domestic chores showed strongly negative impacts towards learning of science subjects at school (p= 0.008). This study recommends that all education stakeholders should encourage supply of science teaching and learning materials, recruitment of qualified and competent science teachers, provide teachers reasonable salary to make them comfortable in the working station. Moreover, improve science teachers working environment and increases the number of quality boarding schools, encourage early identification of students with special talent in science practice and special focus on science education in early stage.