Adult literacy in Africa: The push and pull factors

Type Journal Article - International Review of Education
Title Adult literacy in Africa: The push and pull factors
Author(s)
Volume 54
Issue 5-6
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2008
Page numbers 697-711
URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11159-008-9091-2
Abstract
This paper examines the question of why Africa has made such slow progress towards the goal of eradicating illiteracy, and why it remains an exceptionally disadvantaged region in this respect. The article surveys the history of the development of literacy in Africa from colonial times to the present day, focusing on the role of adult education in pursuing the goal of universal literacy. The author seeks to identify both the “push” factors (those favouring the pursuit of this goal) and the “pull” factors (the obstacles and hindrances), examining these factors at the local, national and international levels. The author concludes that, while the literacy challenge in Africa remains a formidable one, there are examples of successful initiatives that give hope for the future.

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