SUSTAINABLE LIVELYHOODS AND EDUCATION: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KONTAGORA NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study explores the role of environment on school attendance for promoting sustainable livelihoods among secondary school students in kontagora, Niger state. The study investigated the environmental factors such as infrastructure, resources and physical environment   that affect learning outcomes, specifically in kontagora. The research was conducted using survey research design through a case study approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The population of the study comprised of all secondary school students in kontagora. Using simple random sampling, a sample size of 80 students were randomly selected for the study. A researcher self designed questionnaire tagged “Relationship between Environmental Factors and School Attendance among Secondary School Students Questionnaire’ (REFSASS) was used as instrument for data collection. Mean and simple percentage was used to answer the research questions while the hypothesis was tested using Spearman rank correlation analysis. Findings from the study revealed that there are several key environmental factors that significantly impact school attendance, which include distance, means of transportation, insecurity, and attractiveness of the school environment, amongst others. These findings have highlighted the challenges faced by schools and the significant implication on students skills acquisition drive for sustainable development, practices and livelihoods in communities. The study’s results have implication for policy and practice particularly in terms of resource allocation, infrastructure development, community engagement and teacher support in schools for a more sustainable and resilient community.