Project Report

This report encapsulates the outcomes of a pioneering pilot project conducted in rural Uganda, aimed at enhancing financial literacy among smallholder coffee farmers through digital education. Financed by a seed grant, the project addressed the research gap in effectively implementing digital financial literacy with a quasi-experiment implemented in the unique context of Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

The study involved 360 coffee farmers, divided equally into three groups, each receiving financial education through distinct methods: the traditional manual approach, self-learning via Ostrii (a digital platform which provides education programmes in the form of animated videos), and a hybrid method combining the Ostrii platform with facilitator support. The effectiveness of these methods was evaluated through three different control groups, two rounds of surveys, along with interviews with six agents responsible for delivering the education program. Key Findings are listed below:

·      Traditional Manual Method: Despite being well-received, this method faced logistical challenges, including language barriers and inconsistent attendance.

·      Self-Learning Approach: While this approach proved effective, offering personalised and flexible learning, it encountered challenges in maintaining discipline and regular attendance among participants.

·  Augmented Digital Approach: This method emerged as the most effective, outperforming the self-taught approach and significantly surpassing the traditional method. Its success is attributed to the engaging nature of the platform and the support of facilitators, enhancing comprehension through visual aids and local language translations.

The study suggests that each educational method possesses unique strengths, which could be harnessed according to the specific needs and contexts of learners. A combined approach, integrating traditional methods with digital tools, could offer a more comprehensive and adaptable learning experience.

The project's outcomes not only provide valuable insights for enhancing financial literacy among African smallholder farmers but also contribute significantly to the academic field of digital financial education. This initiative holds the promise of yielding substantial practical and academic value, supporting the financial empowerment of rural communities in Africa.