E-learning as tool to feed the world

Abstract

Malnutrition is still a major issue in the developing world. Education and sustainable agriculture can be seen as key links in overcoming malnutrition. Both can be combined in e-learning technologies, a popular method in developing countries. Implementation of e-learning could provide great contribution in improving education for sustainable agriculture in developing countries. E-learning has conditions that contribute to the implementation and success of e-learning. The aim of this chapter is to assess if the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) addresses e-learning conditions adhering to scientific findings in their ‘E-agriculture Strategy Guide—Piloted in Asia-Pacific Countries’. This research tries to answer the following question: Does the FAO address e-learning conditions according to scientific findings in their ‘E-agriculture Strategy Guide’? If so, which conditions are addressed? This will be assessed by a literature review which provides a theoretical framework. Within this framework, the selected FAO document is reviewed. The results demonstrate that the FAO takes all conditions into account, except two. The focus of the FAO in their ‘E-agriculture Strategy Guide’ is course content, system (and internet) quality and equality in education. Interpretation of the results show that the FAO focusses on e-learning conditions of a technical nature, or those that are close to other goals of the United Nations. This research provides a preparatory analysis for evaluation of e-learning strategies implemented by the FAO.