The role of Open and Distance Learning in community development in Malawi

Abstract

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 2007 report, deeply entrenched poverty is a major obstacle for development and growth in Malawi where about 8 million people (representing 70 percent of the total population) live below the national poverty line. Illiteracy is attributed as one of the major causes of this desperate situation. Lack of knowledge on the best practices in agriculture, health and sanitation, nutrition and sexuality has resulted into otherwise avoidable problems related to food insecurity at the household level, chronic malnutrition, escalation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and substandard health livelihood. The enhancement of ODL activities in Malawi could therefore improve standards of living for the rural poor.