PERCIEVED CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ LOW ENROLMENT IN AGRICULTURE SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KITUI WEST

Abstract

Agriculture is an important science subject that enables learners to develop skills in cultivating the soil, harvesting crops, and raising livestock. Content of Agriculture subject is relevant to all learners irrespective of the careers they pursue since it provides information and skills that propel forward the country’s economy. Despite this importance role Agriculture plays, there has been global decline in enrolment and graduation rate in agriculture related courses at all levels of education systems. The same trend has been recorded in Kitui West where students taking Agriculture as a subject has continued to decline. This study sought to establish the perceived causes of low secondary school students’ enrolment in Agriculture subject in Kitui West Sub County. The objective of the study was to establish students’ and teachers’ perceived causes of low students’ enrolment in Agriculture subject in Kitui West. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size consisted of 176 students, 20 teachers and 20 Secondary schools obtained through simple random sampling. Research instruments used was questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Correlation analysis were used to establish the nature and magnitude of association between study variables. The study established that there are learners, teachers and school related factors that have contributed to few students taking Agriculture subjects in public secondary schools in Kitui West. The study recommends schools administration to support Agriculture by availing required learning resources and equipment. It also recommends training of more teachers in Agriculture and in-servicing of teachers in the subject.