Stakeholders' perspectives on addressing school transportation challenges in public primary schools in Madaba District, Ruvuma Region

Abstract: This study aimed at exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on addressing school transportation challenges in public primary schools in Madaba District, Ruvuma Region. The study focuses on the modes of transportation used by pupils, the challenges pupils experience while travelling to and from school, and solutions for improving school transport. The study adopted the interpretivist research philosophy and employed a qualitative approach and phenomenology research design. The data was collected through face-to-face interview and focus group discussion. Data was analyzed thematically through coding, categories, and the developed themes and sub-themes are discussed and contextualized with existing literature. The findings reveal pupils travel to school and from school by: walking long distances; motorized transport system; and bicycle. Consequently, that mode of transportation leads to students’ absenteeism, late arrival, declining of academic performance, reduced classroom concentration, and reduced participation in extracurricular activities. Additionally, pupils face challenges concerning safety, including road accidents, animal attacks, and being attacked by dangerous people. Moreover, the findings revealed that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the situation of transport challenges, and perceived the need of safe, reliable transport, and affordable school transport system. The study concludes that the absence of a school transport system creates a critical challenge to pupils in accessing equitable and quality education to all. Therefore, it is suggested that there is a need of addressing transportation constraints before construction of schools or schools should be built near residential areas. Another alternative is to establish hostels and organized school transport services by cooperation between parents and government. Keywords: Stakeholders’ Perspectives, Transportation Challenges, Primary Schools. Title: Stakeholders’ perspectives on addressing school transportation challenges in public primary schools in Madaba District, Ruvuma Region Author: Robert Chembele, Dr. Eugenia Wandela, Dr. Reginald Lyamuya International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026 Page No: 295-304 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 26-October-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23671861 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/stakeholders-perspectives-on-addressing-school-transportation-challenges-in-public-primary-schools-in-madaba-district-ruvuma-region