improving financial inclusion

What: Financial Training for Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia
Where: Sidama Region, Ethiopia
When: 2023-2024

Financial training for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia

HereWeGrow developed a comprehensive financial training curriculum designed specifically for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This curriculum aims to equip households in rural areas with essential financial management skills, enabling them to better manage their resources and ultimately improve their livelihoods.

The materials have been developed in 2023/2024 with a human-centered design approach by Professional Enterprise Skills Services Limited (PESS), an experienced Ugandan consultancy focusing on financial inclusion. They have been piloted and rolled-out among rural communities in Bona Zuria, Sidama Region (Ethiopia), and adapted to the needs and aspirations of the target group. Persistent literacy levels and financial management skills were considered in the process.

Key Benefits of the Training Curriculum

  • Empowerment through Financial Literacy: The curriculum equips farmers with essential financial knowledge, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and promoting long-term economic stability and growth.
  • Customized for Local Needs: Designed in collaboration with local farming communities in the Sidama region through hands-on piloting sessions, our content is highly relevant and easily understood by the target audience.
  • Engaging and Practical Tools: Featuring visual aids and user-friendly worksheets, our curriculum ensures that complex financial concepts are accessible and actionable.
  • Accessible and Free Resources: All training materials are publicly available at no cost, encouraging widespread use and seamless integration into various programs.

Curriculum Overview

The course consists of five modules, each estimated to last 2-4 hours, depending on the time available and the learning strength of trainees.

I. Introduction to Financial Literacy
II. Financial Planning and Budgeting
III. Savings
IV. Loan Management
V. Investment in Income Generating Activities

The modules apply a mix of learning methods, including group discussions, group activities, case studies, and individual worksheets. These methods actively promote the principles of engagement, dialogue, and immediacy in adult learning.

Based on our experience, six trainings sessions are optimal to accommodate varying paces of learning and ensure that all trainees gain a thorough understanding of the course material.

Who could use this training curriculum?

  • NGOs: Incorporate the curriculum into ongoing community development, agricultural extension or cash transfer programs to enhance their impact.
  • Government Institutions: Incorporate the curriculum into educational programs or social protection initiatives to improve financial inclusion of rural communities.
  • Educational Institutions: Use as a supplementary resource in agricultural and social training centers and schools to educate farming households, women and young people in financial literacy.
  • Financial sector: Leverage the materials to accompany financial services in rural communities, e.g., the dissemination of mobile money or banking services.

The HereWeGrow financial training curriculum offers a valuable tool for enhancing the financial literacy and management capabilities of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. By adopting and integrating this curriculum into your programs, you can contribute to the economic empowerment of rural communities and enhance financial inclusion. We invite you to explore and utilize these resources to drive positive change and sustainable development.

Resources

  • Training Manual (Download in English, Download in Sidamu Afoo)
  • Training Flipcharts (Download in English, Download in Sidamu Afoo)
  • Training Worksheets (Download in English, Download in Sidamu Afoo)
  • Training of Trainers (ToT) Materials (upon request)
  • Expert and Trainer Recommendations (upon request)

We are happy to provide more information, share our learnings and discuss potential collaborations.

Get in touch: Lidia Mordel, Project Manager (contact@herewegrow.org).