Environmental Drivers of School Attendance in Dry Conflict-Prone Areas

Description

This book explores environmental, socio-economic and cultural factors which influence primary school attendance in dry conflict prone areas of Kenya. It also examines the role played by role models in school attendance. This is based on the belief that school attendance and education is largely the only viable and sustainable livelihood and development option in the dry and conflict prone regions of Kenya and globally. The threats to school attendance in the dry conflict prone areas are numinous and include aridity hence subsequent food insecurity, physical thermal stress, resource based conflicts, cattle rustling-related insecurity, long distance to school, few facilities and teachers and few role models. This is worsened by counterproductive cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage. Despite these threats, pupils still attend school and complete their primary education. The central question then is: what motivates pupils to continue their academic pursued despite the apparent threats? The knowledge of motivation for school attendance is critical and will inform policy which will enhance education attainment and socio-economic development.

Ms. Rael Komen holds a Bachelor of Education Arts degree and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Egerton and Moi University, respectively. She has over 20 years of high school teaching experience where she has served as Head of Department (Careers). Her research interest is on the motivators which drive and sustain learners in school in dry lands.

Dr. Catherine Simuyu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education, Moi University. Her research interest spans the entire spectrum of psychology of education, the learners and stakeholders’ motivation for lifelong education.

Dr. Mark Kiptui is a teacher by profession and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Environmental Studies, Department of Applied Environmental Social Science, University of Eldoret. Dr. Kiptui has served as Head of Department for two terms spanning 2014-2018. His research interest includes livelihood studies in dry lands and its impacts on education and socio-economic development.

Dr. Beth Wambugu is a Lecturer in Educational Psychology in the School of Education, Moi University. Her specialization is on Educational Psychology of special needs persons.