Factors Influencing Distribution Of Secondary School Teachers In Tanzania: A Case Of Bahi District

ABSTRACT

The study focused on factors influencing distribution of secondary school teachers in Tanzania taking as a case study selected secondary schools in Bahi district. The study sought to address three objectives, first; to examine the feasibility of existing policies and procedures for allocation of teachers in secondary school in Bahi district. Second, to determine the factors influencing the distribution of teachers in secondary school in Bahi district. Third, to explore possible strategies to be adopted by the responsible authorities to balance teachers‟ distribution in Bahi district. The study was guided by The Two-Factor Theory and The Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs. A sample of 92 respondents was selected; data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The study determined that factors which influence distribution of secondary school teachers in Bahi are poor working conditions, prevalence of HIV/AIDS, remoteness, poor physical infrastructures, Poor living conditions, career development, marriage and poor teaching and learning materials. It was further found that, most teachers who are allocated in rural areas against their will, do their best to seek for transfer by any means possible. Most use the loophole of abnormal health conditions and others use the pretext of marriage to make sure that they move. This is confirmed by evidence that no teachers have requested for transfer moving the other way round; i.e. from urban to rural areas. Finally, the study recommends that strategies such as targeted recruitment, provision of hardship allowances to teachers specifically working in rural areas and provision of incentives can be used by the government in order to make rural postings preferable. vi TABLE OF