Contribution of ICBAE programme to poverty reduction in Nyamagana and Sengerema districts – Tanzania

This study aimed at examining the contributions of ICBAE programme to poverty reeducation in Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to examine the context in which the ICBAE programme was conceived, originated and developed, to assess sources of facilities injected in ICBAE programme, to assess the appropriateness of the methods employed by ICBAE in promoting income generating projects and to examine the extent to which ICBAE programme has contributed to poverty reduction. The model deemed appropriate to directing evaluation was CIPP model developed by Stufflebeam (1971). The study was conducted in Nyamagana and Sengerema districts in Mwanza region. A case study employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Respondents were 4 DAEO’s, 6 WEC’s 96 ICBAE learners and 6 facilitators making a total of 112. The respondents were selected through purposeful and random sampling procedures. Data were gathered through questionnaires, observation checklist, documentary review, interviews and focus group discussion with adult learners and facilitators. The study findings indicated that ICBAE programme contributed to poverty reduction. Through income generating projects, the programme contributions were source of employment, increasing production, increasing income earnings, improving literacy skills, building library, improving living conditions, eradication of bad cultural practices, enhancing peace and unity political participation, decision making involvement, health improvement and legalization of the projects groups. These outcomes contributed to poverty reduction. It was concluded that ICBAE progrmme can contribute to poverty reduction in both rural and urban areas. Where income generating projects are established, developed, sustained, properly utilized and with high participation of community members, positive benefits are likely to happen in such groups and individuals than in project groups with low participation. The study recommended that ministry of Education and Vocation Training (MoEVT) needs to make efforts to improve the development ICBAE programme in both rural and urban areas so as to enhance its sustainability. It was further recommended that the government and other stakeholders in particular be encouraged to use this programme as a mechanism for poverty reduction in both rural and urban areas. In addition, another study is recommended to cover a wide area covering more than two districts which more respondents than in the present study. Other variables could also be studied on the same topic. This could include an investigation on the effectiveness of the REFLECT approach compared to other traditional literacy approaches.