Centre Régional AGRHYMET — Distance Learning Platform Design and Capacity Building

Context

The Centre Régional AGRHYMET, a regional training and capacity-building institution in West Africa, engaged me to lead the design, implementation, and institutionalization of distance learning programs in support of the ECOAGRIS project. The objective was to strengthen the capacity of regional stakeholders by enabling scalable, high-quality distance learning across priority thematic areas, including food security, nutrition, agricultural statistics, and early warning systems.

Challenge

AGRHYMET needed to expand its training reach beyond face-to-face delivery to support geographically distributed stakeholders across West Africa. While subject-matter expertise existed, the institution lacked a structured virtual learning environment, instructional design capability for distance education, and internal capacity to administer, monitor, and sustain online learning programs.

Constraints

• A geographically dispersed learner base across multiple countries
• Limited prior experience with structured distance learning delivery
• Need to support technical and subject-matter experts simultaneously
• Dependence on institutional staff to sustain programs post-implementation
• Requirement to align learning programs with ECOAGRIS capacity-building objectives

Decisions & Approach

I led a two-phase engagement that combined platform implementation with deep capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability.

Phase 1: LMS Design and Distance Learning Enablement

• Designed and implemented a virtual learning environment (Moodle LMS) to support AGRHYMET’s distance learning programs
• Provided consulting support on the roll-out and operationalization of distance education programs aligned to ECOAGRIS objectives
• Trained AGRHYMET experts on the development, implementation, and monitoring of distance learning programs
• Led capacity building for IT personnel on system administration, maintenance, and user support to ensure internal ownership

Phase 2: Instructional Design and Content Development Capacity Building

• Designed and led training on instructional design for distance learning using the ADDIE methodology
• Trained experts on developing interactive, learner-centered courses using Articulate Storyline
• Built capacity in monitoring and evaluation of distance learning programs and activities
• Trained teams on using Moodle and interactive activities (H5P, forums, wikis, assessments, surveys) to support engagement and learning effectiveness

Outcome & Insight

AGRHYMET successfully established a functional distance learning ecosystem that combined platform capability, instructional design practice, and internal technical support. Experts were equipped to design, deliver, and monitor distance education programs independently, significantly strengthening ECOAGRIS’ regional capacity-building strategy.