Leveraging Adult Education as a Catalyst for Socio-Economic Change in Rural Tanzanian Communities: A Case Study of Mbarali District

Abstract

For decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of adult education in transforming the socioeconomic development of rural communities. This paper examines the potential of adult education as a catalyst for socioeconomic change in rural Tanzanian communities in Mbarali District. The study employed a qualitative design, specifically a case study approach. It comprised fifteen participants, namely adult learners and adult learner facilitators. The study participants included the adult learners’ facilitators and adult learners. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews. The results highlight the significance of adult learning programme s in the socioeconomic development of rural communities. These include: poverty reduction through literacy and basic education, agricultural education and sustainable development, vocational training and skills development, entrepreneurship and business skills. Moreover, the study revealed about empowering women and enhancing gender equality, and lastly fostering community development and civic participation. Therefore, this study recommends that collaborative efforts between the government and education stakeholders take collective measures to support adult learning centres for better socioeconomic transformation.