DETERMINANTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATION SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN SUMBAWANGA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, RUKWA REGION- TANZANIA

Abstract: This study examined the determinants of community participation in education sector development projects in Sumbawanga Municipal Council, Rukwa Region, Tanzania. Three specific objectives guided it; examining demographic, social, and economic factors to understand how they contribute to community participation. The study was carried out in Kizwite and Ntendo wards using a mixed research approach and a cross-sectional design. A quantitative sample size of 50 heads of households from the target population of 9,622 households and a qualitative sample size of 13 key informants were involved, found through simple random sampling and purposive selection. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review, and analyzed using SPSS Version 25 and thematic analysis. The findings showed that demographic factors such as age, sex, marital status and education level contributed to how people took part in projects. Younger and more educated individuals participated more actively. Social factors, including awareness, health conditions, and social networks, also played an essential role in shaping participation. People with good health, stronger networks, and higher awareness levels were more engaged. Economic factors, particularly income, asset ownership, and the nature of employment, made a substantial contribution. People with stable income and resources were able to support projects through labor, materials, and decision-making. However, challenges such as low awareness, gender imbalance, and unequal tight working schedules reduced participation among some groups. The study concludes that meaningful community participation depends on the combined contribution of these demographic, social, and economic factors. It recommends increasing awareness, promoting equality, supporting local leadership, and improving community economic opportunities to strengthen active involvement in education development projects. Keywords: community participation, education sector development projects, Social factors, including awareness, health conditions, improving community economic opportunities. Title: DETERMINANTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATION SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN SUMBAWANGA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, RUKWA REGION- TANZANIA Author: MAHAMUDU MOHAMEDI International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 231-260 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 27-October-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17456514 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/determinants-of-community-participation-in-education-sector-development-projects-in-sumbawanga-municipal-council-rukwa-region--tanzania