Constraints to provision of quality primary education in mining areas: a case of Tarime district, Tanzania

Following the operation of mining activities in various mining areas of Tanzania, a number of challenges including physical (machine, truck and human) noises, dusts, violence and declining safety have been reported. This study investigated on the constraints to provision of quality primary education in mining areas of Tanzania particularly in Tarime district, amidst the outspoken challenges. Specifically, four objectives were developed to guide the study: To investigate on the effect of mining activities on pupils’ access to quality primary education among selected primary schools from mining areas; to examine the impact of mining operations on effective teaching and learning process in the selected primary schools from mining areas; to assess education stakeholders’ views on provision of quality education in the selected primary schools from mining areas, and to examine pupils’ performance in basic skills and knowledge upon completion of primary education cycle in the selected primary schools from mining areas. The study adopted a multiple case study research design to study the two case primary schools located and functioning close to North Mara Gold mine in Tarime district. Data were obtained using interviews, questionnaires, documentary reviews and focus group discussions (FGD) from 46 respondents involving the District Primary Education Officer, District Chief Inspector of Schools, Head teachers, Teachers, Pupils and School Committee Chairpersons. Data gathered in this study we reanalysed using themes and sub-themes while descriptive analysis was used to analyse quantitative data that complemented thematic information. Findings revealed that provision of quality primary education in the study area was constrained by poor teaching and learning environment due to interferences from physical noise and dusts, movement of heavy trucks and intruders. Other challenges impinge on pupils’ school attendance and academic performance due to high rate of absenteeism and dropout as a significant number of pupils engage in mining related activities. These constraints affect provision of quality education and contribute to deterioration of the quality of education in the studied schools. The study recommends for relocation of schools which are closer to the mines to conducive and safer areas which are distant from the mines but close to the community. The study also recommends for similar studies to be conducted in other mining areas of Tanzania involving a large sample of schools to investigate the effects of mining activities on provision of quality primary education in mining areas.