Bridging Gaps in Farmer Education: The Role of L3F in Fostering Human, Social and Financial Capital for Rural Development

Purpose: This study examines how smallholder farmers in Siaya County, Kenya, are impacted by the Lifelong Learning for Farmers (L3F) initiative regarding revenue distribution, agricultural productivity, and access to learning resources. Methodology: The analysis utilizes comprehensive statistical data, focusing on demographic characteristics and changes in agricultural production and income among local farmers. Findings: Key outcomes include a notable gender skew towards females at 76%, aligning with regional trends in women's participation in agriculture. The intervention led to a substantial increase in poultry production, with an average rise of 109.63 birds per farm and a significant income enhancement, averaging a 7,053 Kenyan Shillings (KSH) increase per participant. Income distribution data unveiled a prevailing income disparity, with the bulk of participants (41%) falling into the lower income bracket of KSH 3000. A significant portion (57.89%) reported moderate income growth post-intervention, while 40.70% experienced considerable income boosts. The study also detailed changes in oilseed production volumes, showing moderate and significant increases for 43.86% and 29.47% of the cases, respectively. Challenges to L3F implementation included accessing learning resources, with 25.26% of respondents facing difficulties and a gap in technical expertise, as 39.65% felt the need for further training. Yet, 92.67% successfully adapted L3F strategies to their local agricultural contexts, indicating a high adaptability rate. Despite the financial constraints cited by 72.98% of participants, the initiative's positive outcomes suggest a promising potential for personalized digital extension services to impact agricultural productivity and poverty reduction in rural settings significantly. Notwithstanding the general success, issues were noted, including a lack of access to technology and technical know-how. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These results highlight how tailored digital extension services can improve agricultural productivity and spur economic growth. The L3F initiative shows a possible path for fostering sustainable agricultural growth and reducing poverty in rural communities by tackling technical and educational hurdles.