The role of universities in promoting industrial development in Tanzania: The case of Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro municipality.
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
The study explored the role of universities in promoting industrial development in Tanzania taking a case of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Specifically, the study identified the industrial related skills and competences imparted to students at SUA, determined the strategies applied by SUA in imparting industrial related skills and competences to its students, identified the perceptions of SUA stakeholders on industrial development movement, as well as determined opportunities and challenges that SUA face on promoting industrial development in the country. The convergent mixed method design was applied in this study. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. The purposive and quota sampling techniques were used to attain a sample of 109 respondents. Content analysis was used to analyses qualitative data whereas the descriptive statistical analysis method was employed in quantitative data analysis. With regard to skills and competences, findings revealed that students from the selected degree programs demonstrated various skills such as machine operation, communication, mathematical and statistical computation skills. The study also gained that student at SUA acquire workplace competences, technical competencies, personal effectiveness competences, as well as managerial and academic competences. Apart from the skills and competences, the study revealed that among the strategies which are applied by SUA in promoting industrial development in the country are practical training in industries and installation of mini-factories at the university areas. These make students be familiar with industrial practices. However, SUA face some challenges like budget deficits and lack of new technology. These challenges retard some SUA‟s useful strategies towards mainstreaming industrial competences and skills to the students. Based on the findings, the resources, the nature of the university and the fact that agriculture is providing employment, contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Tanzania, and provide inputs for industrial sector; SUA joins hand the industrial development strategies in the country and its contribution should be explicitly realized and appreciated.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for award of the degree of Master of Arts in Education (MAED) of the Mzumbe University.
Keywords
SUA stakeholders, Industrial development- Tanzania, Challenges face SUA promoting industrial
Citation
APA