Contribution of secondary schools voluntary environmental clubs to best environmental management practices in South -Alego ward, Siaya county

Abstract

Environmental resources are key in supporting life systems and their destruction can lead to adverse effects on human wellbeing. In the management of environmental resources several intervention measures and strategies have been considered. Among these are the use of the school curriculum to enhance public awareness of the need for environmental preservation and protection. This study seeks to investigate the contribution of secondary school environmental clubs to best environmental management practices (BEMP) in South Alego ward, Siaya County. The objectives of the study were to determine the contribution of the following factors: (i) school administration policies on environmental management, (ii) characteristics of leadership of environmental clubs, (iii) student knowledge of environmental management, (iv) student awareness of environmental problems and (v) assistance from external agencies to BEMP. A descriptive research design was used. A Stratified random sample of 168 secondary school students who were members of environmental clubs were selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive (means, median, mode and frequency distributions and inferential statistics (regression and t-test). The results showed that BEMP of students had a mean score of 2.64 on a scale of between 0 and 7 with 44 % of the students falling between 4 and 7. Positive statistical significant contributions to best environmental management practices undertaken by secondary students were found to exist between; school administration policy on environmental management (β=0.336, t=4.58, p<0.001), student awareness of environmental problems (β=0.785, t=16.31, p<0.001), student knowledge in environmental management (β=0.802, t=17.28, p<0.001) and external assistance from organizations (β=0.698, t=12.54, p<0.001). Leadership of environmental clubs (age, sex, professional specialization) had no significant contributions, while level of formal education had positive contribution to BEMP. A comprehensive integrated environmental management plan was recommended which will involve: training students to enhance their knowledge, creating awareness of environmental problems and providing assistance to environmental practices. The findings from this study will be useful in advising the education stakeholders on the way forward in developing best environmental practices among students in the south Alego ward, Siaya County.