Factors influencing adult learners’ participation in community development in Nyandarua north sub-county, Nyandarua county, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine the factors that influence participation of adult learners in community development. The objectives sought to establish how basic literacy education of adult learners, social background, religion, cultural and economic endowment influence adult learners’ participation in community development. Using ex- post facto research design, data was collected through a questionnaire which was administered to a sample of ninety nine adult learners and nineteen adult education teachers who were selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques in Nyandarua North Sub-County. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics specifically frequency and percentage. The study offers useful insights to the Ministry of Education, adult learning programme as well as the Ministry of Devolution, community development organizations/projects on intervention strategies to be initiated with a view to improving adult learning and enhancing participation in community development organization activities respectively. Lack of adequate education towards what entails community based organizations/projects (CBOs) and inadequate knowledge in community matters were the major social hindrances to learner’s participation in CBOs. Academic qualification did not hinder one from participating in CBOs activities as a member but a factor when it came to assuming managerial positions. Most adult learners (75.0%) were affiliated to religious organization and had community based activities that were beneficial both to the church as well as the individual members. The adult learners (82.6%) felt that religion affiliation create a platform for achieving what an individual had a challenge in realizing. The main cultural factors were the nature of work and the need to educate the young influenced adults participation in CBOs. Women were involved more with work at home (58.7%) as well in community development activities (46.2%) than men with 32.5% and 23.8% respectively. Lack of adequate resources including lack of finances as well as lack of immediate financial benefits was the main economic factors that hindered full participation in community development projects. When no financial benefits were forthcoming, adult learners withdrew from the projects to create time for activities that they could earn from. The study recommends that other scholars to carry out a similar study through its concerned institutions/ stake holders in adult learners institutions and other private sector in other Nyandarua Sub-Counties and also in various parts of other Kenyan Counties.