Selected Factors Influencing Girls In Choosing Of Agriculture Subject In Post-Primary Education In Gusii Counties, Kenya By Mayenga,

Abstract

Kenya's economy is based on agriculture; even though it is optional, the subject 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 self-sufficiency and provide employment for thousands of high school and college graduates. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of a few factors on females’ decision to pursue agriculture in post-primary institutions in Gusii counties, Kenya. Specifically, the study was to assess the influence of peer pressure, category of post-primary institution, socioeconomic factors and school factors on the decision of females 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, 545 agriculture teachers and 470 post-primary institutions with both mixed and pure girl student populations. Therefore, 9,545 respondents made up the target population. 368 girls from form three classes who were studying agriculture and 109 agriculture teachers made up the sample. Simple random and purposeful sample approaches were used to do the sampling. Data from form three girls enrolled in agriculture and agriculture teachers was gathered using questionnaires. Pilot testing was used to determine the instruments' validity and dependability. 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 study found that the main factor influencing females' decision to pursue agriculture was the availability of sufficiently qualified agriculture teachers. There is sufficient acreage of land for agricultural activities, teachers who have taught agriculture for the KCSE are affable and inspiring and the necessary facilities are available to study agriculture. The girls' decision to study agriculture was most influenced by county schools, followed by sub-county, extra-county and then national schools. The girls' decision to study agriculture was primarily influenced by their peers who pursue the subject. Other considerations included statements from friends that agriculture is "simple and easy to pass" and finally" girls' friends" value agriculture. The girls' decision to study agriculture was most influenced by their parents' or guardians' advice. Additionally, jobs in agriculture subject instruction by parents. In Gusii counties, factors including family income and "girl's parents'/guardians' academic level" influenced girls' decision to study agriculture. In order to encourage girls to choose agriculture as an examinable subject, the study suggests that the Teachers Service Commission hire enough trained agriculture teachers in all Kenyan post-primary education, the school administration provide enough teaching/learning materials and 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.