Empowering Farmers: Creation of an E-Learning Module on Farmers Rights and Landrace Conservation Using the ADDIE Model and Knowledge Test

Abstract

India's agricultural landscape is characterized by a rich diversity of traditional crops and landraces, vital for food security and cultural heritage. However, genetic erosion threatens this biodiversity due to the widespread adoption of high-yield varieties. This study investigates the impact of an e-learning module on farmers' awareness of Farmers' Rights and landrace conservation in Odisha and Uttarakhand, India. The module, developed using the ADDIE Model, underwent expert evaluation and knowledge tests for validation. For evaluation purposes, 30 experts were involved. The validation process involved 60 farmers (30 custodians and 30 non-custodian farmers) for the pre-test and post-knowledge tests in Odisha and Uttarakhand, respectively. A total sample size of 120 farmers was used for validation. Findings reveal significant improvements in knowledge levels among both custodian and non-custodian farmers following the intervention, particularly regarding Farmers' Rights. However, non-custodian farmers also demonstrated improved understanding, highlighting the module's effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of educational interventions in enhancing farmers' awareness of their rights and responsibilities in landrace conservation. The integration of the ADDIE Model with knowledge test validation proved effective in developing and validating the e-learning module.