Open Distance Learning on climate change in empowering marginalised Nigerian communities to build resilience and adaption

Marginalised communities are vulnerable to climate change (CC) impacts as they often lack the knowledge and resources to mitigate and adapt to the impact of CC. Therefore, this study examined the role open distance learning played in empowering marginalised communities to mitigate and adapt to CC. The study used a descriptive research method, and a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 5 marginalised communities in southwest Nigeria based on their vulnerability sto climate change impacts and limited access to climate change education and training. 245 participants were randomly selected from the 5 communities comprised of community members, leaders and local government officials. Data was analyzed using frequency count with percentages. The result shows that open distance learning (ODL) has the potential to enhance the resilience of marginalised communities to the impacts of climate change. Distance learning programme on CC are effective in educating marginalised communities on the impact of CC and adaptation strategies. However, lack of access to technology was perceived as a major barrier for marginalised communities in accessing and participating in an open distance learning programme on CC. The researchers recommend that the National Information Technology Development Agency through its framework should advocate and support digital literacy for all in Nigerian marginalised communities. ODL curriculum on CC education should be improved through a community participatory approach.