Background: Lack of school-based physical activity has led to increased risk factors in Ethiopia and globally. As a result, the study investigated the challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing school-based physical activity participation in the southern part of Ethiopia. Methods: The current study utilized a mixed-methods. Purposively a total of 20 participants from in and out of primary schools, with an average mean age of 39±7.780 SD from the Gamo Zone, the southern part of Ethiopia. Interviews with a semi-structured approach were carried out to collect data. After assessing the relevant literature on the current inquiry, five interview questions were developed for stakeholders. Thematic analysis with the help of MAXQDA 24 software was employed to analyze the obtained data. Results: The findings of the study confirmed that there were several issues influencing early adolescents' involvement in physical activity. Such as a lack of awareness, a low level of attention to the physical education curriculum, a shortage of qualified physical education teachers, and a lack of facilities affecting the students' participation in school settings. Conclusion: Based on the respondents’ information, this study found that the implementation of physical activity in schools is limited by many influencing factors in school settings. However, the study highlighted the significance of physical activity in enhancing the health, academic performance, and overall well-being of school-aged early adolescents. Therefore, the present research indicates that encouraging physical activity attendance in Ethiopian primary schools requires cooperation between stakeholders and the school community. Additionally, more research is required.

physical activity, early adolescents, socio-ecological models, elementary schools, stakeholders