Research Article
Understanding Students’ Disinterest, Low Motivation, and Academic Struggles in Afghanistan: A Qualitative Inquiry
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
19-32
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.reports.20260602.11
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Abstract: Education plays a vital role in national development by promoting human capital, social cohesion, and economic growth. However, Afghanistan’s higher education sector continues to face persistent socio-economic, cultural, institutional, and structural challenges that undermine student motivation, engagement, and academic achievement. Despite existing research on access to education and the effects of conflict, limited attention has been given to understanding university students’ lived experiences of academic disengagement and low motivation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the underlying factors contributing to students’ disinterest, low motivation, and academic struggles in Afghan higher education institutions. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 30 university students selected through purposive sampling from different academic levels and socio-economic backgrounds. Data were collected between May and July 2025 and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings revealed six interconnected themes influencing students’ academic experiences: ineffective teaching methods and outdated curricula, socio-economic hardship, cultural and gender-based barriers, inadequate university infrastructure and teacher support, limited career prospects due to nepotism and weak labor market opportunities, and insufficient parental and community support. These challenges collectively reduced students’ academic engagement, weakened intrinsic motivation, and limited their educational aspirations. The findings further demonstrate that student disengagement in Afghanistan is a systemic issue shaped by the interaction of institutional, socio-cultural, and economic constraints rather than isolated individual factors. The study concludes that improving student motivation and academic performance requires comprehensive educational reforms, including modernizing teaching practices, strengthening teacher capacity, improving institutional support and infrastructure, expanding financial assistance, promoting gender-inclusive education, and creating stronger links between higher education and employment opportunities. The study contributes context-specific qualitative evidence that can assist policymakers, educators, and international development organizations in designing more effective and student-centered educational policies to enhance higher education outcomes in Afghanistan.
Abstract: Education plays a vital role in national development by promoting human capital, social cohesion, and economic growth. However, Afghanistan’s higher education sector continues to face persistent socio-economic, cultural, institutional, and structural challenges that undermine student motivation, engagement, and academic achievement. Despite existin...
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Research Article
Yield Performance and Adaptability of Improved Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum L.) Varieties in Buno Bedele Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Alemayehu Abdeta*
,
Tolasa Tamiru
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
33-39
Received:
15 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.reports.20260602.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a multi-purpose spice and medicinal crop with substantial nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial significance. Despite its potential, varietal adaptability remains poorly documented in diverse agro-ecologies of Southwestern Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 main cropping season in the Buno Bedele Zone to identify adaptable and high-yielding fenugreek varieties. Five improved varieties were evaluated using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications across representative environments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the main effects of variety and environment significantly (P < 0.01) influenced phenological parameters, growth traits, and yield components. However, the variety-by-environment interaction was non-significant for all traits, indicating that the varieties exhibited a consistent performance across the study environments. The highest mean seed yield (1.43 t ha-1) was recorded from the Ebissa variety, which was statistically superior to other varieties, followed by Burka (1.20 t ha-1). In contrast, the lowest yield (0.79 t ha-1) was observed in the Hundaol variety. Based on their superior biological performance and consistent yield across environments, Ebissa and Burka are recommended for large-scale on-farm demonstration and subsequent promotion to smallholder farmers in the Buno Bedele Zone and similar agro-ecologies.
Abstract: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a multi-purpose spice and medicinal crop with substantial nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial significance. Despite its potential, varietal adaptability remains poorly documented in diverse agro-ecologies of Southwestern Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 main cropping...
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