Revitalization of education for self-reliance in education for enhancing youth involvement in agriculture in Tanzania

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of the Tanzania’s economy regardless of its low productivity. Several efforts have been put in place to improve the situation including introduction of Education for Self-Reliance (ESR) policy to guide Tanzania education system to produce graduates who are competent in agricultural production and other hands on activities necessary for  community development. Regardless of its contextual, theoretical and practical relevance, ESR policy overtime lost its position in the education circles. A Dialogue Conference was organised in Morogoro for exploring stakeholders’ views on the need for revitalization of ESR in education for enhancing youth involvement in Agriculture. Data were collected by voice recording and note taking while thematic method was used for data analysis. Majority of the participants perceived the relevance of  reconsidering ESR since it helps to inculcate positive attitude towards agriculture, equip students with hands-on skills, source of  self-employment, self-reliance and improve classroom learning.  Challenges of revitalization were also elicited, like teachers’ lack of knowledge and skills on planning and utilizing experience developed through the ESR, shortage of teachers and inadequate resources for implementation. Voices of stakeholders favour rethinking of ESR and therefore appropriate strategies should be considered in the process of revitalising ESR taking into consideration the highlighted challenges.

Keywords: Revitalisation, Education for self-reliance, Agriculture, Education, Youth