INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 10 NO. 8 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.v10.no8.2024.pg317.321


The Role of Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Rwanda

Hakizimana Phanuel, Manix Mahamba Kakule


Abstract


This study investigates the role of Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in the sustainable management of natural resources in Rwanda. Despite a considerable number of HLIs that strive to provide education for all, Rwanda faces significant challenges related to the mismanagement of natural resources. To address this issue, a quantitative study was conducted utilizing descriptive and correlational research designs. A sample of 100 students was randomly selected from three different HLI campuses, and data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. The results revealed a low mean score across various aspects of natural resource understanding, including awareness (M = 2.7, SD = 0.86), knowledge of resource types (M = 2.75, SD = 0.86), utilization (M = 2.7, SD = 0.86), sustainable use (M = 2.72, SD = 0.86), management (M = 2.77, SD = 0.86), and exploitation (M = 2.75, SD = 0.96). The absence of strong mean scores across all items indicates that HLI students possess an inadequate understanding of sustainable natural resource management in Rwanda. Moreover, the standard deviations greater than 0.5 in all questions suggest diverse opinions among HLI students regarding natural resource management. To mitigate this issue, it is essential to develop a curriculum related to natural resource knowledge that equips HLI students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and share information about these resources in their communities effectively.


keywords:

Natural resources, sustainable management, Higher Learning Institutions, social



Bebecca S. et al. (2023). Higher Education for Development in Rwanda. International
Higher Education, 70, 19-21.

Douxchamps, S., Debevec, L., Giordano, M., Barron, J. (2017). Monitoring and evaluation
of climate resilience for agricultural development – A review of currently available tools.
World Development Perspectives, 5, 10–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2017.02.001

Ghana Education Service (GES). (2010). Teaching syllabus for social studies (Senior High
School 1-3). Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD).

Hoegh-Guldberg, O. et al. (2019). The human imperative of stabilizing global climate
change at 1.5°C. Science, 365(6459), eaaw6974. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw6974

Isaac Atta K. (2019). Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Ghana: The Role of
Social Studies Education. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social
Science (IJRISS), 3(9), 1-8.

Thakadu, O. T. (2005). Success factors in community-based natural resources management
in northern Botswana: Lessons from practice. Natural Resources Forum, 29(3), 199-212.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2005.00130.x

Yudh Vir et al. (2021). Natural Resource Conservation and Management: Role of
Microbiology and Biotechnology Pathways. International Journal of Agricultural
Research and Review, 9(11), 33-44.


DOWNLOAD PDF

Back