Applications of andragogical principles in Ethiopia’s Integrated Functional Adult Education (IFAE) program

Grounded in Knowles’ theory of andragogy, this study employed a qualitative comparative case study design within a constructivist paradigm to examine how andragogical principles are applied by facilitators in urban and rural IFAE centers in North Mecha Woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. 19 participants, comprising 2 facilitators, 16 adult learners, and 1 Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) expert, were selected through purposive and total population sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, and analyzed thematically using Knowles’ six andragogical assumptions as the primary analytical framework. The findings reveal that facilitators generally employed learner-centered, experiential, and contextually relevant instructional approaches, supporting the immediate application of learning across both settings. Contextualization of instruction, performance-based assessment, and peer-driven experiential exchange emerged as the most consistently operationalized andragogical principles. However, adult learners were systematically excluded from program planning and needs assessment, representing the most significant gap between andragogical theory and IFAE practice. The rural center demonstrated deeper and more intentional andragogical practice than the urban center, with application quality more strongly determined by facilitator training than by geographic setting. Theoretically, the study demonstrates that andragogical principles are selectively operationalized in IFAE contexts, mediated by institutional structures and facilitator preparation. The study recommends strengthening andragogically grounded facilitator professional development, institutionalizing participatory needs assessment to ensure meaningful learner involvement in program planning, and reactivating non-functional IFAE centers as critical policy priorities.