Digital Services for Agriculture 3
April 26, 2024
Digital Services for Agriculture 1
April 30, 2024Projects
Enhancing Livelihoods for 2874 Vulnerable Women through Digital skilling, Development of local relevant digital media Content
Project Overview
The project, "Enhancing Livelihoods for 2874 Vulnerable Women through Digital Skilling, Development of Local Relevant Digital Media Content," aimed to empower vulnerable women by providing demand-driven training, mentorship, and opportunities in the online and digital work sectors. The project consisted of seven specific objectives, addressing the evolving needs of beneficiaries in the digital ecosystem. The key achievements are summarised below:
- Refinement and Documentation of Training Models
Successfully refined and documented models for demand-driven, prioritised training based on the experiences and feedback from 1832 beneficiaries of the previous two phases. Facilitated learning and knowledge sharing, contributing to the improvement of online and digital employability skills. The summary of the eight refined models informed by literature, practice and project outcomes including the variables used in evaluating, and outcomes or results of testing the models are placed in Appendix 2. - New/Refresher Training on Digital Skill
Provided targeted new and refresher training to 1832 beneficiaries, aligning with the most needed and prioritised skills in the digital ecosystem. Responded dynamically to emerging trends, ensuring beneficiaries remained competitive in the digital job market. - Digital Content Development Skills
Imparted market-driven digital content development skills, including production, monetisation, and branding, to 1000 vulnerable young women. Empowered participants to pursue and enhance careers in the digital creative space. - Mentorship and Connections
Collaborated with highly successful mentors, influencers, and content creators to offer personalised mentorship, hand-holding, and connections to 2874 young women. Fostered a supportive environment for skill development, networking, and exposure to online, digital, creative, and talented work. - Financial Literacy Skills
Empower vulnerable women with comprehensive financial knowledge and skills. The project aims to enhance participants' understanding of financial concepts, budgeting, savings, and investment strategies through targeted training and resources. - Entrepreneurial Skills
Fostering entrepreneurial skills among vulnerable women. Through tailored training and mentorship programs, the project aims to empower participants to develop and manage their own enterprises. The focus is on cultivating a mindset of innovation, business acumen, and sustainable practices, enabling these women to create and sustain viable ventures in the digital landscape - Phycological /Soft Skills
Phycological /soft skills aimed at enhancing the holistic development of vulnerable women by addressing their psychological well-being and soft skills. Through targeted training and support, the project aims to improve participants' interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. - Linkage to Engagement Opportunities
Successfully linked 2000 out of 2874 participants to quality online, digital work, and creative engagement opportunities—facilitated pathways for sustainable and meaningful employment or entrepreneurial ventures. - Development of Locally Relevant Digital Content
Supported the continued development and customisation of locally relevant digital content aligned with priority areas. Enhanced digital content's cultural resonance and applicability, contributing to increased community engagement. - Partnerships and Collaborations
Expanded partnerships and collaborations to support and improve project delivery and impact. Strengthened the project's reach and effectiveness through strategic alliances with organisations committed to women's empowerment and digital inclusion.
The project has significantly contributed to enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable women by equipping them with relevant digital skills, fostering mentorship, and creating pathways to meaningful engagement in the online and creative sectors. The achievements outlined in this report reflect a successful endeavour in addressing the evolving needs of the digital landscape while positively impacting the lives of the beneficiaries. Continued support and collaboration will further amplify the project's sustainability and lasting influence on women's empowerment in the digital era.
The Details can b e accessed in the final project imp cat report structured as follows:
- Introduction, Goals and Objectives,
- Refinement and Documentation of Training Models Key Achievements,
- New/Refresher Training on Digital Skills. Key Achievements,
- Digital Content Development Skills Key Achievements,
- Mentorship and Connections Key Achievements,
- Financial Literacy Key Achievements,
- Entrepreneurship Key Achievements,
- Phycological support Key Achievements,
- Linkage to Engagement Opportunities Key Achievements,
- Development of Locally Relevant Digital Content Key Achievements,
- Partnerships and Collaborations Key Achievements,
- Sustainability of the Project Key Achievements,
- Conclusion, and
- Appendices.
Partners
COVID 19 & DE Partners:
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Role of Support partner |
Partner |
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Mobilisation of Young Women- Additional project beneficiaries |
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Sensitisation on cyber- security risks, threats and harms. |
KICTANET |
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Placement Partners |
|
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Physical Practicum Partners |
(KFS)
|
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Industry Experts |
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Psychosocial Support |
Open space |
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Tabari Consulting Limited |
Procurement of Exam Vouchers |
Stakeholders
The shutdown and other social and economic restrictions prevented gatherings, hence the re-emerging innovations on how the creative industry could reach out to different target audiences in partnership with KFCB, the government organ that regulates digital media content creation spaces.
Objectives
Goal of the Project
The project aimed to empower 2,832 high-potential young/vulnerable women with market-driven digital skills to pursue career opportunities in the digital, online, creative and talented work spaces by March 2022.
Objectives of the Project
The specific objectives of the project were:
- Continued refinement, improvement, documentation, learning and knowledge sharing of the models for demand-driven, most needed and prioritized training to 1,832 beneficiaries of the previous two phases of the COVID-19 and Digital Employability project in the online and digital work
- Provide demand-driven new/refresher training to 1,832 beneficiaries of the previous two phases of the COVID-19 and Digital Employability project on skills identified as most needed and prioritized in the digital ecosystem;
- To impart market-driven digital content development skills in digital content production, monetisation and branding to 1,000 vulnerable young women aspiring to join or grow careers in the digital creative space
- Work with highly successful mentors/influencers/content creators/Personalities to provide targeted/needs-based mentorship, hand-holding and connections to online, digital, creative & talented work and provision of local relevant digital content and services to 2,832 young women supported by the project;
- Financial Literacy empowered vulnerable women with comprehensive financial knowledge and skills. Through targeted training and resources, the project aims to enhance participants' understanding of financial concepts, budgeting, savings, and investment strategies.
- Fostering entrepreneurial skills among vulnerable women. Through tailored training and mentorship programs, the project aims to empower participants to develop and manage their own enterprises. The focus is on cultivating a mindset of innovation, business acumen, and sustainable practices, enabling these women to create and sustain viable ventures in the digital landscape
- Phycological /soft skills aimed at enhancing the holistic development of vulnerable women by addressing their psychological well-being and soft skills. Through targeted training and support, the project aims to improve participants' interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.
- Continue linkage of at least 2,000 out of the 2874 young women participants of the project into quality engagement opportunities in the online, digital work and creative space;
- Supporting the continued development and customisation of locally relevant digital content aligned to priority areas.
- To increase partnerships/collaborations to support and improve project delivery and impact to the project beneficiaries
Methodology
This section outlines the methodology employed in a completed action research study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of interventions under the community project "Enhancing Livelihoods for 2874 Vulnerable Women through Digital Skilling, Development of Local Relevant Digital Media Content." The study utilized a Theory of Change (ToC) framework and an analytical framework to guide the research process.
Research Design
The research design adopted for this study was quasi-experimental, with a pre-test/post-test design. This design allowed for assessing changes in participants' skills and socio-economic status before and after the interventions. Additionally, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather data on the effectiveness of the interventions.
Population
The target population consisted of vulnerable women residing in Kenya.
Sampling
Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit participants for the study. Women who expressed interest in participating were included in the sample on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure that the final sample comprised only vulnerable women, individuals who did not meet the criteria for vulnerability were excluded from the study. These women were identified based on predefined vulnerability criteria, including socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and employment status, until the final sample of 2874 was reached.
Reliability and Validity
The reliability of the survey instrument was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, ensuring the internal consistency of the items measuring various constructs. Additionally, pilot testing of the survey instrument was conducted to refine the items and assess their appropriateness for the study context. Discriminant validity measures were employed to ensure that the survey instrument accurately captured the intended constructs.
Study Procedures
The interventions provided to participants included training in various sets of digital skills tailored to enhance their employability in digital jobs. These skills encompassed basic, intermediate, and advanced digital skills, as well as financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, employability skills, and psychological/soft skills. Training sessions were conducted by qualified trainers using a combination of interactive workshops, online modules, and practical exercises, all delivered on the ACWICT online training platform.
Data Analysis
Inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data collected from the cross-sectional survey using SPSS Version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. In contrast, inferential statistics, such as t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilised to assess the impact of the interventions on participants' skills and socio-economic status. Additionally, regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of the interventions.
In general, the methodology employed in this study provided a robust framework for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable women through digital skilling and the development of relevant local digital media content.
Outputs
The completion of the action research study "Enhancing Livelihoods for 2874 Vulnerable Women through Digital Skilling, Development of Local Relevant Digital Media Content" yielded several key outputs aligned with the project objectives:
- Refinement and Improvement of Training Models - The project successfully continued refining, improving, documenting, learning, and sharing knowledge about models for demand-driven training. Insights from previous COVID-19 and Digital Employability project phases were leveraged to enhance training methodologies and ensure relevance to the digital work ecosystem.
- Provision of Demand-Driven Training - New and refresher training sessions were conducted for 2,874 beneficiaries of previous project phases. These training sessions focused on equipping participants with skills identified as most needed and prioritised within the digital ecosystem, enhancing their employability in online and digital work.
- Development of Digital Content Production Skills - Market-driven digital content development skills were imparted to 1,000 vulnerable young women aspiring to join or advance their careers in the digital creative space. Training covered content production, monetisation strategies, and branding techniques, empowering participants to create compelling and commercially viable digital content.
- Mentorship and Connections - Highly successful mentors, influencers, content creators, and personalities were engaged to provide targeted mentorship, hand-holding, and connections to online, digital, and creative work opportunities. This initiative aimed to support 2,874 young women by providing them with valuable guidance and access to relevant networks within the digital industry.
- Financial Literacy Empowerment - Targeted training and resources were provided to empower vulnerable women with comprehensive financial knowledge and skills. Participants received instruction on financial concepts, budgeting techniques, savings strategies, and investment principles, enhancing their financial literacy and promoting financial independence.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development - Tailored training and mentorship programs were implemented to foster entrepreneurial skills among vulnerable women. Participants were equipped with the mindset, knowledge, and skills necessary to develop and manage their enterprises in the digital landscape, promoting innovation, business acumen, and sustainability.
- Psychological and Soft Skills Enhancement - Targeted training and support initiatives were designed to enhance the holistic development of vulnerable women by addressing their psychological well-being and soft skills. Participants received training in interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability, improving their employability and socio-emotional well-being.
- Linkage to Quality Engagement Opportunities - Efforts were made to link 72%, that is, 2,069 of the 2874 young women participants, into earnings from quality engagement opportunities in the online, digital work, and creative space. These linkages aimed to provide participants with sustainable income-generating opportunities and career advancement pathways within the digital economy.
- Development of Locally Relevant Digital Content - The project supported the continued development and customisation of locally relevant digital content aligned with priority areas. This initiative addressed community needs, promoted cultural relevance, and contributed to the digital content ecosystem's diversity and inclusivity.
- Partnerships and Collaborations - Collaborative efforts with public, private, and non-profit stakeholders were fostered to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for the benefit of vulnerable women participants.
The outputs of the action research study reflect the project's multifaceted approach to enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable women through digital skilling and the development of locally relevant digital media content. These outputs signify progress towards achieving the project objectives and advancing the socio-economic empowerment of women in Kenya.
Outcomes
The completion of the action research study "Enhancing Livelihoods for 2874 Vulnerable Women through Digital Skilling, Development of Local Relevant Digital Media Content" yielded significant outcomes aligned with the project objectives:
Refinement and Improvement of Eight Training Models
The project successfully refined and improved models for demand-driven training in online and digital work. Through continuous learning, documentation, and knowledge sharing, the training models were enhanced better to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable women participants.
Developing and documenting eight models for demand-driven, prioritised training was crucial to achieving targeted outcomes. The steps below outline efforts taken to create and document these training models:
Step 1: A thorough needs assessment was conducted to understand the specific requirements and skill gaps among the target group of vulnerable women. Engaged with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and industry experts to identify the most relevant and in-demand skills in the digital landscape.
Step 2: Developed a curriculum that directly addressed the identified needs and priorities of the beneficiaries. It was ensured that the training content aligned with the evolving demands of the online and digital work sectors.
Step 3: Established a framework for prioritising training modules based on the urgency and significance of specific skills. Considered feedback from previous project phases and incorporated lessons learned into the design of new training modules.
Step 4: Designed the training models to be flexible and adaptable to changes in the digital ecosystem. Incorporated continuous feedback and update mechanisms to ensure the content remained current and relevant.
Step 5: Documented the entire process of model development, including the rationale behind the selection of specific skills, methodologies used, and the anticipated impact on participants. Created comprehensive training manuals, guidelines, and resources to support the effective implementation of the models.
Step 6: Explored innovative and engaging training delivery mechanisms, such as online platforms, workshops, and interactive sessions. Considered the diverse learning styles and preferences of the target group to enhance the effectiveness of the training.
Step 7: Implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the performance and impact of the training models. Collected feedback from participants, trainers, and other stakeholders to continuously refine and improve the models throughout the project lifecycle.
Step 8: Facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions to disseminate information about the developed models. Encouraged collaboration with external partners and organisations to exchange best practices in demand-driven and prioritised training approaches.
By meticulously navigating through these steps, the project successfully documented models for demand-driven, prioritised training that addressed the immediate needs of vulnerable women and set a foundation for their sustained success in the digital landscape. Further, the project has developed and documented several models emanating from the overarching conceptual model shown in the figure below of online and digital jobs employability.
