ICT and Life Long Learning Pedagogy for Development and Empowerment: An Illustration from Farmers in India

Abstract

The contemporary socioeconomic and political scenario in India hinders the disadvantaged communities from expanding their capabilities. Lack of opportunities deters these communities from having equitable access to the fruits of ongoing development. In India the farming population (70%) in general, and small and marginal farmers (63.0%) in particular, are the worst affected by this asymmetry of opportunities. While India heavily depends on agriculture, the distressed farmers resort to suicide for want of livelihood security. There is an urgent need to build the capacities of farmers to enhance their bargaining power and ensure a minimum standard of living. Life Long Learning (L3) aided by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a unique attempt that facilitates this capacity building process by providing horizontal, vertical and self-directed learning. By enhancing the cognitive social capital of the farmers, Life Long Learning improves their negotiating skills and expands their access to livelihood resources. Since 1998, Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) in partnership with groups of farmers has demonstrated this in rural Tamil Nadu, India. This article describes the process and outcome of this intervention where L3 has become an effective tool. We are deeply indebted to CoL for supporting this initiative.