Infrastructural Challenges Influencing Academic Performance in Rural Public Secondary Schools in Iringa District, Tanzania

Infrastructural Challenges Influencing Academic Performance in Rural Public Secondary Schools in Iringa District, Tanzania

Mgimba, Anitha Elias and Prospery M. Mwila
St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Email: bapropsk@gmail.com

Abstract: The study sought to investigate how infrastructural challenges influence students’ academic performance. Specifically, to describe the challenges encountered by school heads on improving school infrastructure for academic performance in rural public secondary schools in Iringa District. The research used a mixed approach and convergent parallel research design. Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943 was employed to underpin the study. The total target population was 22,457 people from which 151 respondents comprised of 48 teachers, 97 students, 5 heads of schools, and 1 District Education Officer were involved in the sample size.. The study used a combination of probability and non-probability through simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques, respectively, to select the respondents. The data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation. The analysis for quantitative data was done using descriptive statistics, with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21, while qualitative data was coded and categories through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students’ performance in rural public secondary schools in Iringa District was unsatisfactory due to inadequate school infrastructures like libraries, laboratories, classes, dormitories, and instructional materials. This study concluded that school infrastructure is very essential to develop and provide quality education, which leads to growth and excellence.. Inadequate infrastructure negatively influences academic performance. The study recommended that the government, with other stakeholders, should increase funding for schools to provide and support adequate teaching and learning materials besides standard infrastructure in secondary schools.