FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS ENROLMENT IN AGRICULTURE SUBJECT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KIAMBU EAST DISTRICT, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
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Date
2015-02
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THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing students’ enrolment in agriculture in public secondary schools in Kiambu-East District, Kiambu County. The study was conducted on account of views, attitudes and experiences of 140 participants. The researcher used three research instruments: Questionnaire for students and agriculture teachers, interview guide for principals and observation guide for agriculture resources. To realize the purpose of this study a mixed method research paradigm was used. Cross-sectional survey and naturalistic designs were adopted. Sampling was done using simple random and stratified random sampling procedures. The District has 20 public secondary schools and 5 of them were selected to participate in the study. The respondents included 5 principals; 7 Agriculture teachers and 128 students. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences ( SPSS) version 17.0 and was presented in frequencies, tables and percentages. Qualitative data was presented in form of discussions and explanations in a narrative form. The findings of the study revealed that there was Low student enrolment in agriculture subject. Career and parental influence were found to be the main factors contributing low enrolment in agriculture subject. Inadequacy of teaching learning resources was also a contributing factor to low enrolment where most of the schools were able to provide simple tools and equipment that they would afford. Students were found to have a negative attitude towards agriculture as many felt that agriculture related careers involve a lot of dirt. The researcher also observed that there were enough textbooks and guide books in schools as they were provided by the Ministry of Education. Also there was presence of agriculture land which was used by form fours for examination projects in all schools but none of the schools had its own agriculture laboratory except the stores where the implements are kept. The researcher also observed that agriculture teaching aids needed some improvement as few schools had charts that are used in teaching and also agriculture clubs were not active in most schools and this was also emphasized by principals during interview. On the challenges facing agriculture subject enrolment the study found out that parental influence in the subject played a key role in subject selection. Diversity in job markets as stated by some principals has shifted the focus from agriculture to business related jobs in the young generation. To overcome these challenges career guidance and counseling was suggested to be done both to the students and parents. Also modern methods of teaching agriculture subject should be provided like use of videos, slides and projectors in order to make the subject interesting and realistic. Schools were also advised to invite agriculture experts to give motivational talks to students on agriculture related career. The Ministry of Agriculture Department in the Counties was advised to emphasize more seminars and workshops to parents in order to educate them on various agricultural activities that can boost the income in so as change the parental attitude.
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STUDENTS ENROLMENT, AGRICULTURE, PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS KIAMBU--KENYA