Capacity Building in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for Agricultural Development in Zambia
Capacity Building in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for Agricultural Development in Zambia
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Date
2008
Authors
Chikoye, Mungule D
Siaciwena, Richard
Editor
Corporate Author
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
Report/Paper Number
Abstract
In its efforts to reduce poverty and improve food security, the Government of Zambia has
given priority to agriculture. However, this sector faces a lot of challenges such as the need
for trained human resource. //
In order to address this challenge, agricultural training institutions need to supply adequate
trained human resource to the agricultural sector. One of such institutions is the Natural
Resources Development College (NRDC), which is the only public institution offering diploma
courses in various fields of agriculture. However, due to inadequate resources and limited
physical facilities, NRDC cannot meet the human resource needs of this sector from its
residential courses. //
As a means of increasing its capacity, the College has introduced an ODL programme. Since
the college has no experience in ODL, there was a need to develop capacity in this area.
Therefore the In-Service Trust of Zambia (ISTT) and the Directorate of Distance Education
(DDE) at the University of Zambia (UNZA) developed a capacity development programme in
consultation with NRDC. // The first phase of the programme involved conducting training workshops in Instructional
Design and Materials Development. This was because an analysis of the characteristics and
situational circumstances of prospective learners showed that the print medium would be the
most appropriate mode of delivery. Subsequent training activities will concentrate on other
aspects of ODL such as management and learner support. //
The paper highlights the importance of agriculture in Zambia and the rationale for adopting
ODL in developing human resources for the agricultural sector at NRDC. It also describes the
nature of the programme, the output from the first phase and the level of commitment by the
college management to provide the necessary resources for the programme, a critical
success factor. // Paper ID 560
Description
Subject
Open and Distance Learning (ODL),
Capacity Building,
Agriculture
Country
Zambia
Region
Africa