The document discusses innovative learning processes and successful approaches to improve rural community livelihoods in Africa, focusing on participatory methods that incorporate cultural contexts and empower women. It highlights the effectiveness of communication technologies tailored to local needs, as well as the 'train the trainer' approach and multimedia resources for knowledge sharing. Additionally, it notes the importance of engaging strategies like role playing and entertainment in facilitating community learning and development.

1. IAALD XIIIth World CongressMontpellier, FranceTuesday, April 27, 2010Theme 1 – Session 1 & 2 Innovative Learning Processes

2. Successful Approaches for Improving Rural Community LivelihoodsMany lessons learned from experiences throughout Africa (Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana)Innovations in communication and information technologies are more successful when they include social and cultural contextsDecision-making improves when participatory approaches incorporate traditional processes

3. Successful approaches, cont.Participatory approaches are especially important in the empowerment of women and helping them gain new incomeSimilarly, ICTs need to be tied to local contexts to develop trust in their useParticipatory approaches that include role playing, forms of entertainment, and knowledge sharing achieve good results

4. Innovative Approaches from IndiaTele-centers provide rural communities with a variety of important learning opportunitiesSome of the more effective ones are multi-media in formatAlso, there has been success in using farmers as “trainers” of other farmers (train the trainer approach)

5. Learning & Knowledge Sharing Toolkits The Virtual Environment & Sustainable Development University in France offers freely available flexible, interactive digital learning resources in environment and sustainability (can be used in many venues)CGIAR also has a suite of knowledge sharing techniques, such as “Speed Geeking” that can be used to quickly engage groups in tackling problems and solutions

6. From France and a Final LearningBack to participatory approaches, we had papers demonstrating participatory and conversational learning processes can be analyzed from a psychological theoretical perspectiveAND, we learned from the Women-In-Ag program in Nigeria that there are wonderful ways to prepare sweet potato snacks that lead to improved nutrition, Vitamin A intake, and new sources of income.