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VOL. 11, ISSUE 8 (2024)
Socio-economic factors influencing the choice of agriculture subject among girls in post-primary education in gusii counties, Kenya
Authors
Joash Omwenga Mayenga, Judith Odhiambo, Martha Nyang’au
Abstract
Kenya's economy is based on agriculture; hence even though it is
optional, the learning area has been incorporated into secondary school
curricula to instill skills and knowledge. This is a significant challenge for
a nation that is working to achieve food security and provide employment for
thousands of high school and college graduates. The study's main goal was to
assess the extent to which socio-economic factors influence the choice of
agriculture subject among girls in post-primary education in Gusii counties,
Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to assess the effects of the level
of education, family income, guidance by parents/guardians and parents/guardians’
occupation in agriculture sector on the decision of girls enrolled in
post-primary education in Gusii counties, to pursue agriculture. The research
used a descriptive survey approach. The study focused on 9,000 form three girls
who take agriculture in 470 post-primary institutions with both mixed and pure
girl student populations. 368 girls from form three classes who were studying
agriculture made up the sample. Simple random and purposeful sample approaches
were used to do the sampling. Data from form three girls enrolled in
agriculture was gathered using questionnaires. Pilot testing was used to
determine the instruments' validity and reliability. SPSS version 21 was used
to analyze the data while graphs, means, frequencies and standard deviations
were used to present the results. Data analysis was done using the Pearson's
correlation coefficient with a 0.05 level of confidence. The Pearson’s
correlation indicate that parental guidance contributed the most to the choice
of agriculture as a subject by r=.297; p<.05 followed by parents working in
agriculture sector by r=.217; p<.05 then family income r=.257; p<.05 and
lastly parents’ academic level r=.196; p<.05. In order to encourage girls to
choose agriculture as an examinable subject, the study suggests that the career
masters provide guidance to girls on their career choices so that they are
adequately informed about their subject of choice. This research's findings
will aid in the creation of girl-targeted agricultural policies by the Ministry
of Education. Additionally, it will assist the Ministry of Education in
comprehending the obstacles preventing more girls from choosing agriculture as
a learning area.
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Pages:120-126
How to cite this article:
Joash Omwenga Mayenga, Judith Odhiambo, Martha Nyang’au "Socio-economic factors influencing the choice of agriculture subject among girls in post-primary education in gusii counties, Kenya". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 11, Issue 8, 2024, Pages 120-126
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