Lifelong learning to empowerment: beyond formal education

Abstract

This paper discusses the relevance of lifelong learning vis-à-vis the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stresses the need for an approach blending formal education, non-formal and informal learning. The role of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in moving beyond formal education and the importance of integrating pedagogy, andragogy and heutagogy in lifelong learning are raised as key factors in ensuring that education and learning can generate positive externalities and impact livelihoods. Through a case study in the agricultural sector, this paper analyses the role of lifelong learning in empowering smallholders of backyard poultry enterprises in Kenya and argues that lifelong learning needs to be placed in appropriate social and economic contexts to generate outcomes and impacts such as empowerment.

Keywords:

• Lifelong learning
• open and distance learning
• empowerment
• non-formal learning
• sustainable development goals

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Commonwealth of Learning to undertake this study, as well as the partner organisation Kenya Aids Intervention and Prevention Project Group (KAIPPG), and the L3F learners and other respondents who helped to realise this study.