Adult education and biodiversity conservation: a case study of east Usambara mountains, Muheza district

No Thumbnail Available
Date
2009
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role played by adult education in sensitizing the adult population in Muheza District on biodiversity conservation. Specifically, the study intended to explore the role of adult education in awareness creation on biodiversity conservation, measures taken to achieve biodiversity conservation and appropriateness of the methods used to educate the adult population on biodiversity conservation. The study was mainly qualitative although some aspects of the quantitative approach were included. Data were collected through interviews, observation and documentary reviews. The findings revealed that the villagers were aware of biodiversity conservation and activities that caused biodiversity degradation; although there were some adults who were not aware. Most of the villagers were also aware that biodiversity degradation could be arrested through biodiversity conservation and activities that could result in preservation of biodiversity. The methods and approaches used by environmental educators in creating awareness among the villagers in Mwembeni and Mgambo-Magoroto villages were more appropriate compared to those used in Gare village. The study concluded that adult education had to a large extent played its role of sensitizing the adult population on biodiversity degradation and conservation of the environment. The study recommended that there was an enormous need for environmental educators to use appropriate methods and approaches of teaching adults in order for conservation to be realized in the most opportune time. Biodiversity stakeholders should also cooperate and design relevant adult education curriculum that accommodates biodiversity education. The government should on the other hand initiate and coordinate environmental education to prevent biodiversity extinction in the country.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library
Keywords
Adult education, Biodiversity, East Usambara, Muheza
Citation
Mabuba, K. M (2009) Adult education and biodiversity conservation: a case study of east Usambara mountains, Muheza district, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.