Agriculture MOOCs to enhance lifelong learning in Higher Education Institutions and food security in developing countries

Abstract

While agriculture professionals, researchers, students among other people are continually seeking to increase their knowledge and skills, AgMOOCs offer good opportunity to fill this gap. The overall objective of this study was to analyse feedbacks from the learners of AgMOOCs offered by the Commonwealth of Learning between 2015-2020. The study considered a total of 27 courses, offered in 10 phases, with over 50,000 active participants from 121 developing countries. An evaluation form was filled by a total of 11,779 learners. Quantitative data were analysed with the help of percentages and frequencies, while qualitative data were analysed by grouping the responses according to thematic content. The respondents highly appreciated the courses, considered the materials to be of good quality, the instructors knowledgeable, and the course platform easy to access and navigate. The respondents provide useful suggestions to improve learning experience and a subsequent positive impact on food security in developing countries.