PRIMARY PUPIL SCHOOL ABSENTEEISM AMONG TOBACCO AND NON-TOBACCO FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NKEYEMA DISTRICT IN ZAMBIA
Keywords:
Learner Absenteeism from School, Tobacco Farming Households, Non-tobacoo Farming Households, Perceptions
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the link between tobacco farming and the factors which contributed to learner absenteeism in selected primary schools of Nkeyema District. The study was qualitative with a sample of 44 participants (class teachers, learners from both tobacco and non-tobacco farming households, and tobacco and non-tobacco farming parents from the communities of the two selected schools) purposively selected from two primary schools. A case study design was employed and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were later analysed thematically. The findings revealed that tobacco farming had a negative effect on learner attendance at school. The study suggested sensitising both parents and their children on the importance of regular school attendance, increasing parents-teachers collaboration on matters affecting learners and that the tobacco farming companies operating in Nkeyema District should work together with the school administrators to introduce mobile education programmes for learners in the tobacco farming camps.
Published
2023-04-03
How to Cite
Nyumbu, S., & Banja, M. (2023). PRIMARY PUPIL SCHOOL ABSENTEEISM AMONG TOBACCO AND NON-TOBACCO FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NKEYEMA DISTRICT IN ZAMBIA. ZANGO: Zambian Journal of Contemporary Issues, 35, 57-73. Retrieved from https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/ZJOCI/article/view/964
Section
Articles