Ugandan farmer network, Swiss e-learning expert and English adult education organisation unite their expertise to develop e-learning system for small scale farmers and fishermen.
(Accra, Ghana) The Ugandan "Busoga Farmer Network" (Bufanet), the Swiss e-learning developer Avallain and the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) have teamed up to jointly develop "MarketInfonet", an internet-based and mobile phone driven market communication and e-learning system for small scale farmers and fishermen covering three areas: agricultural education, market information and basic skills training.
Currently, agriculture in Uganda mostly takes place at subsistence level. "Small scale farmers and fishermen know too little about agricultural techniques or the possibilities of income increase e.g. through processing and value addition", says Patrick Kiirya, Director of Bufanet. A lack of knowledge in appropriate agricultural methods leads to little harvest or low quality produce that does not meet market standards for processing, regional and international export. As a result, Uganda’s agriculture remains far below its potential: Although employing more than 80% of the workforce, agriculture contributes less than 36% to the GDP.Also, a lot of smallholders don’t know the value of their produce. They negotiate prices individually with itinerate traders at the farm gate and sell their products below value.
The provision of information and learning material for market and agricultural skills contributes to closing the knowledge gap – and unlocks human potential: "Access to information is prerequisite for small scale farmers and fishermen to adapt new agricultural techniques, improve their business and achieve good prices", Mr. Kiirya emphasizes. "The ability to read, write and calculate is prerequisite to make full use of information."
Hence, MarketInfonet will address basic skills. The user friendly edited information in English and local languages will be amended with interactive exercises for literacy and numeracy: Comparing prices, calculating the amount of fertilizer, writing an order, reading a manual –MarketInfonet will present basic skills learning as a key to improved business. Business becomes the driver for education.
Interested parties are invited to contact Avallain for participation.
Meet Avallain until May 30 at elearning Africa at Accra, Ghana, booth M09.
Contact:
Ralf Kellershohn
rkellershohn@avallain.com
phone: +49 172 198 70 34
About Busoga Farmer Network (Bufanet)
Bufanet unites over 30 associations of small and medium scale farmers, traders and processors in the Busoga region, in the south-west of Uganda. Bufanet provides its members with a wide range of services in general agricultural information, improved marketing and agro processing.
About National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) England and Wales is a non-governmental organisation working for more and different adult learners. NIACE exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds. NIACE campaigns for – and celebrate the achievements of – adult learners, young and old, and in all their diversity. NIACE is the largest organisation working to promote the interests of learners and potential learners in England and Wales.
www.niace.org.uk
About Avallain
With a passion for education, innovation and the potential of the internet, Avallain offers high quality services and products for the most demanding challenges in e-learning. We develop award-winning e-learning solutions for public and private clients with one simple goal: to create choice and unlock human potential.
Avallain services include the design and implementation of complex e-learning systems, as well as the development and provision of tools and software to create, maintain and publish interactive content and learning material. Avallain also offers customised solutions for the hosting of e-learning-systems, and provides organisations and institutions with consultancy and expertise.
Avallain services are delivered carbon-neutral and Avallain supports innovative projects such as the Frankfurt Book Fair Literacy Campaign "LitCam" and Nicholas Negroponte's OLPC-initiative by providing free services and software.
www.avallain.com
