Factors influencing students’ participation in University sports in Tanzania: a case study of Morogoro region

Abstract

This study investigated factors influencing students’ participation in university sports programmes in Morogoro Region (Tanzania). The study was guided by selfdetermination theory by Deci and Ryan (1985 and 2000), which explains how motivation influence individual gaining an interest to participate in a particular activity. The study was conducted in Sokoine University of Agriculture - a public university and Muslim University of Morogoro (a private university). The study objectives were to; assess the level of students’ participation in university sports programmes; Assess university students’ patterns of participating in sports and Assess factors influencing students’ participation sports programmes. Descriptive research design was applied using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection was done through administering questionnaires. Out of 205 distributed questionnaires, 176 (85%) were returned and used for data analysis. The study results revealed that students’ level of participation was low where by majority (87%) did sports less than two times per week. Also students’ participation in sports was influenced by academic work loads and time table, lack of motivation, inadequate finance, religious values, inadequate sports facilities and equipment and little consideration for disabled students. In order to enhance students’ participation in sports in Tanzanian Universities, The researcher recommended that universities should include: co-curricular activities in academic time table; motivate students; establish adequate and ensure maintenance of the existing facilities; modify unfriendly religious values /practice; Solicit and budgeting enough funds; initiating university sports policies; consider disabled students; ensure sports implementation in all levels of the education system.