Community System Factors and Effectiveness of Adult Literacy Programmes in Rural Communities of Cross River South Senatorial District, Nigeria
Keywords:
Adult Literacy, Community, Leadership Support, Social Norms, Community Learning InfrastructureAbstract
This study examined the influence of community system factors on the effectiveness of adult literacy programmes in rural communities within the Cross River South Senatorial District, Nigeria, using a survey research design. The population comprised adult learners enrolled in community-based literacy centres in rural communities within the district. The sample of the study consisted of 425 adult learners selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire tagged "Community System Factors and Adult Literacy Programme Effectiveness Questionnaire" containing 30 items measured on a 4-point Likert scale. Specialists in adult education and educational measurement validated the instrument. Reliability was determined through pilot testing using Cronbach's alpha, with coefficients ranging from .72 to .81. Permission was obtained from administrators of selected literacy centres before questionnaire administration. Retrieved copies were screened, coded, and entered into statistical software for analysis. Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of community system factors on programme effectiveness, while hierarchical regression was used to examine the sequential contribution of the dimensions. Findings from the hypothesis tests indicate that community system factors significantly influenced the effectiveness of adult literacy programmes. Community leadership support and local economic conditions exerted stronger influence than social norms and learning infrastructure. The study concluded that programme effectiveness in rural communities is closely linked to surrounding community conditions. The study recommended stronger collaboration with community leadership structures and closer alignment of literacy programmes with local livelihood patterns.
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