By: Everlyne (Eva) Komba & Kenneth Odary
In today's rapidly evolving world, the power of collaboration and shared knowledge is undeniable. Peer-to-peer learning, where individuals learn from and teach each other, has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering personal and community development across diverse fields. This approach transcends traditional, one-way knowledge transfer, creating a dynamic and interactive space where participants actively engage with ideas, share experiences, and collectively build understanding and solidarity.
Unlike the hierarchical structure of traditional learning environments, peer-to-peer learning thrives on an equal footing, fostering a sense of ownership, empowerment, and mutual support. This collaborative approach unlocks the potential within individuals and communities, leading to innovative solutions, increased confidence, and lasting impact. From tackling complex social challenges to empowering marginalized groups, peer-to-peer learning is proving its effectiveness across various contexts.
It is in such an environment that the IDRC funded Blue Empowerment Project in Kenya, pre-launch and launch activities From November 21st to 30th, 2023, ignited a spark of change. Women and community members came together, not just to learn about Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), but to share experiences, build knowledge, sharpen agency and amplify their voices that then pave way for a chance to create of a powerful movement for joint advocacy. The training sessions conducted during the launch played a pivotal role in equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their seaweed enterprises. From sustainable seaweed farming practices to effective business management, the training sessions covered a spectrum of topics. What made these sessions truly impactful was the shared learning environment, where women not only absorbed information from experts but also exchanged valuable insights with one another.
(1). Agency: From Learning to Leading
Empowering women with the necessary tools and skills to advocate for their rights and needs was a pivotal aspect of the Blue Empowerment Project's peer-to-peer learning sessions. Participants engaged in learning how to effectively communicate, negotiate with stakeholders, and enhance their confidence to articulate their concerns at household and their communities. The focus on agency-building comprised the following key elements:
- Leadership Development: The training sessions aimed at instilling a sense of empowerment in women, encouraging them to assume leadership roles not only within their local communities but also within the broader project framework. Women were motivated to actively participate in decision-making processes, share their unique perspectives, and take ownership of their personal development.
- Financial Independence: The peer learning sessions revealed a tangible increase in income attributed to improvements in seaweed enterprises. Coupled with successful advocacy efforts, this financial progress translated into greater economic autonomy for women. As a result, women experienced heightened decision-making authority within their households and communities, reinforcing their overall agency.
- Challenging Stereotypes: Through active participation and leadership roles, women emerged as powerful agents challenging traditional gender norms and perceptions. A notable example occurred in Kilifi Central BMU, where women successfully engaged with the government, leading to the issuance of a fishing boat to the Women BMU members and in Kwale where we have the first group of 18 fisherwomen venturing into deep-sea fishing. This success stories not only served as inspiration for other women but also laid the foundation for a more equitable and empowered future, breaking barriers by defying gender stereotypes and creating a critical mass of role models.
(2). Advocacy:
- Building Confidence: Learning from each other's experiences and successes instilled confidence in women to advocate for their rights and needs. Kilifi women challenged their Kwale counterparts to be more assertive with their demands. The training sessions also provided tools and strategies for effective communication, empowering them to engage with local authorities and decision-makers.
- Shared Challenges, Collective Solutions: By recognizing common challenges faced across communities, women identified collective solutions and strategies. A number of the women groups stated that they have already begun raising their voices and making their concerns heard by policymakers. Participants were encouraged to form advocacy groups to address issues like access to resources, infrastructure, and fair market practices.
- Networking and Solidarity: The peer-to-peer learning environment fostered a strong sense of community and solidarity. Women created networks of support, enabling them to share, information, and encouragement as well as a build a movement to amplify their advocacy efforts and ensuring no one is left behind.
Seaweed Enterprise: Sharing Knowledge, Sparking Innovation:
The workshops fostered a unique space where women could learn from each other's successes and challenges. Experienced seaweed farmers shared their techniques for cultivation, processing, and marketing, while newcomers gained valuable insights into the industry. This peer-to-peer exchange was not limited to seaweed technical know-how; it encompassed financial management, business planning, and navigating market opportunities.
- Knowledge Sharing: Women readily shared their expertise and experiences in seaweed cultivation, processing, and marketing. This exchange fostered interest and identified new opportunities within the value chain. For example, women in Kilifi learned from their Kwale counterparts about the seaweed products value addition processes.
- Collective Market Power: Through peer-to-peer learning, women discovered the need to form associations/cooperatives to market seaweed products. This newfound opportunity entails women organizing in already formed IMTA business units to take advantage of the value chain constellation to increase their bargaining power.
- Diversification and Innovation: Collaborative brainstorming sessions sparked ideas for diversifying seaweed products and exploring new markets. Kilifi women agreed to informally begin experimenting with selling value-added products like seaweed cosmetics in order to expand their income potential and economic resilience.
- Nurturing a Resilient Entrepreneurial Spirit: Through peer-to-peer learning, women shared their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring others to overcome challenges and embrace innovation. Success stories were not only celebrated but dissected, providing actionable insights for others to replicate and adapt to their unique contexts. For instance, a woman participant narrated her experience as fisher woman who owns a boat and an eatery by the beach, noting that whenever the market for fresh fish is low, she was able to prepare meals for her patrons instead.
Beyond the Launch:
The Blue Empowerment Project's pre-launch and launch activities were just the beginning. The peer-to-peer learning model established a foundation for ongoing knowledge exchange and capacity building. As women continue to learn from and empower each other, their seaweed enterprises will flourish, their voices will be heard, and their agency will shape a more equitable and sustainable future for coastal communities.
Conclusion
The Blue Empowerment Project's initiatives in Kwale and Kilifi Counties have showcased the remarkable impact of peer-to-peer learning, underscoring its transformative potential. Despite the inevitability of challenges, the strength of the peer-to-peer model lies in the collective resilience and problem-solving capacities it cultivates among women. The shared experiences of overcoming obstacles have forged a supportive environment, dispelling the notion of isolation in the face of adversity.
Through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and unwavering support, women have emerged as dynamic agents of change within their communities. Their endeavors have not only led to the flourishing of seaweed enterprises but have also catalyzed advocacy for their rights and the assertion of their agency. However, it's crucial to recognize that this juncture marks the commencement of a transformative journey rather than its culmination.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of the peer-to-peer learning culture established during the IMTA launch holds immense promise. The inception of IMTA cooperatives and business units promises to be a pivotal step in maintaining the momentum. These structures, founded on shared learning and collaborative action, have the potential to further empower women, enhance the resilience of seaweed enterprises, and fortify the collective voice of coastal communities.
Yet, this forward trajectory is not without its challenges. Sustained peer-to-peer learning demands continued commitment, resource allocation, and adaptability to evolving circumstances. The nascent IMTA cooperatives and business units may face hurdles such as market fluctuations, regulatory complexities, and the need for ongoing skill development. Navigating these challenges will require strategic planning, ongoing support mechanisms, and an emphasis on building local capacities.
Amid these challenges lie opportunities for growth and innovation. The peer-to-peer learning culture, if sustained, can evolve into a robust knowledge-sharing network, not confined to the immediate project area. The ripple effect observed within families and communities can extend to broader geographical regions, fostering a culture of collaborative learning and empowerment.
As women persist in exchanging knowledge and experiences, the benefits extend beyond the seaweed enterprise ecosystem. The collaborative spirit cultivated through peer-to-peer learning becomes a catalyst for broader community development, influencing societal norms and contributing to the sustainable management of ocean resources. The Blue Empowerment Project's vision of a brighter future, where women lead in the sustainable development of their communities and the ocean, is an ongoing narrative, continually enriched by the contributions of each participant in this transformative journey.