The impact of gender studies to community development workers provided by community development training institutions: a case study of Rungemba and Tengeru institutes in Arusha and Iringa regions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of gender studies which are offered to Community Development Workers (CDW) by the CDTI. Three tasks were drawn in order to guide the study. These were: The training component provided to CDW, the qualification of facilitators in relation to gender issues and the effective linkages between the CDTI and the community and other institutions available in respective areas. The literature review focused on historical background of gender concerns in relation to national development in Tanzania. Moreover, the literature highlighted on the curriculum and the teaching learning process particularly to adult learners. The study sought to utilise a survey approach. Questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions and documentary analysis were used as instruments for collecting information. The study was conducted in two institutions namely; Rungemba in Iringa and Tengeru in Arusha regions. The sample included different categories that is: 171 learners, 23 facilitators, eight ministry officials (including two principals one from each institution) 13 CDWs. Stratified random sampling was used, especially at Tengeru and partly at Rungemba. Simple random was employed to Rungemba, while purposeful sampling was employed to ministry officials, Principals and CDWs. The findings of this study revealed that the training component for these institutions lacked much of gender elements. In addition, it was also found that the facilitators lacked the qualifications in gender issues and, hence even the prevailing linkages though available lacked the elements of gender. The study recommends that curriculum developers and gender experts should include gender aspects in the training component for CDWs, and facilitators should also be provided with training and seminars on gender. Furthermore, the policy makers should review the current policies on gender which seem to be gender blind. There should also be follow-ups sessions from the MCDGC to district level on the CDWs activities in rural areas.