Exploring management of capitation grants for improved provision of primary education in Lindi municipality, Tanzania

This study explored the management of capitation grants for improved provision of primary education in Lindi Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the adequacy of capitation grants in primary schools by examining the way schools use the available capitation grants and to explore financial management skills of heads of schools in public primary schools in Lindi Municipality. The study used qualitative research approach and case study design to collect data from January to February 2018. The data of the study were analysed from March to May 2018. The study had a sample of 54 respondents including Municipal Primary Education Officer, Municipal Internal Auditor, Ward Education Coordinators, Head Teachers, School Committee Members and teachers who were obtained through purposive and convenience sampling procedures. Data collection was done through interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review and data were analysed qualitatively. To ensure ethical issues, research permit was requested from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam. The research findings indicated that capitation grants assisted to reduce shortages of teaching and learning materials in schools lead to an increase of pupils’ enrolments. However, provision of capitation grants to primary schools created new problems related to overcrowd in classrooms that resulted to insufficient teaching and learning facilities including classrooms. Moreover, it was revealed that capitation grants were not used according to stipulated guidelines as schools received less funds compared to the enrolled pupils and amount of needs to be satisfied. Further, it was revealed that most of head teachers were having low financial management knowledge and skills, which resulted to poor accounting transactions and embezzlement of funds. Sourcing from the government does not guarantee adequate financial trainings to head teachers as accounting officers. The study recommended that, successful management of capitation grants that facilitate the provision of quality education, the policy on free basic education must be reviewed as the macroeconomic variables such as inflation also change frequently. Moreover, various stakeholders should be educated on their responsibilities and skills needed to the management of capitation grants for improved provision of primary education.