Loading...
Improving Livelihoods of Rural Women Through eMobile Learning and Climate Smart Agriculture in Kenya
Abstract
[POSTER] This poster examines the integration of eMobile learning and gender equality in empowering rural women in Kenya. This study aimed to both describe the implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of the eMobile learning intervention designed to economically and socially empower rural women in Kenya, through Climate-Smart Agriculture and financial inclusion. The study sought to answer the following research questions:
1. To what extent does eMobile learning enhance knowledge and application of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices among rural women?
2. To what extent does the intervention contribute to economic empowerment and gender equity among women, adolescent mothers and persons with disabilities?
3. What barriers and enablers affect the participation of rural women in mobile-based open learning environments?
Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme in partnership with Common Wealth Of Learning introduced the innovative mobile based learning programme. A mixed-method approach was employed to assess the needs and track the progress of the intervention. Baseline data was collected in Lugulu and Marachi North wards in Busia Kenya using COL tools, including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The baseline reached 30% of the target population to establish the magnitude of gender inequality and rights violations. 300 women farmers were registered for participation. REEP developed a context-specific module on Climate-Smart Agriculture and SILC, which is delivered through SMS and WhatsApp messages.15 Trainers of Trainers were trained in eMobile and blended learning to facilitate effective knowledge transfer to the women farmers. The ToTs also played a critical role of providing continuous community support addressing initial resistance to technology-based learning, low digital literacy among some participants and low intermittent internet connectivity in the rural areas. This e-mobile learning approach focused on providing knowledge and access to skills training such as climate-resilient crop production, value addition and financial literacy providing a platform for women to save, access micro-loans, and invest in farm inputs. The modular nature blending audio visual, SMS messages, and peer discussion prompts of the courses delivered through eMobile learning allows for easy customization to suit different rural community contexts. It also contributes to the realization of national and regional gender equity policies by addressing systemic barriers to women's access to education, finance, and climate-resilient livelihoods. The blended micro learning design ensures real-time, practical knowledge acquisition outside of formal classroom settings allowing users with limited literacy or smartphone access to participate.
PCF11 Sub-Theme: Gender, Technology and Innovation in Open Education
Paper ID: 4044
Country
Kenya
Region
Africa
DOI
Collections
Files
Loading...
POSTER - PDF
Adobe PDF, 1.19 MB
Link
Date
2025-09
Author
ORCID
Corporate Author
Editor
Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)