This study is based on the multiple experiences of over 40 years’ of working in the education sector in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It takes an evidence-based approach as it seeks to explain why adequate and effective TLM (Teaching and Learning Materials) provision has remained so elusive despite decades of funding, and suggests what needs to be done to make quality TLM sustainably available. Each link in the TLM chain is studied in order to identify the cost and supply implications of different policies and links most likely to fail or create high costs.
Drawing all of the lessons learned from the policies, objectives and priorities of MOEs and DPs, as well as international reports, project evaluations and academic research studies over the past 40 years, the study aims to focus on the following issues which have often been ignored in favour of a focus on the reduction of manufacturing costs:
- inefficient distribution
- poor storage
- high levels of stock losses as a result of poor storage and mismanagement
- non-usage
Policy themes that have strongly influenced TLM policies and system planning over the past 40-50 years, such as the tensions between state and private sector publishing, consistent financial allocations and monopolistic vs. competitive supply systems are covered throughout the text through national examples that aim to offer broader conclusions.
The study suggests that the main reason for failure to solve the TLM provision issue is due to a widespread misunderstanding among MOEs and DPs of the nature and complexity of the problems to be solved. Other key findings include:
- Effective TLM provision requires a number of different activities and inputs to operate effectively and in correct sequence.
- Policies are not always based on educational concerns or cost control practices but driven by political and economic considerations.
- Few, if any, national curriculum development organisations take into account cost implications of curriculum design.
- Large numbers of schools at varying scales, located in different regions with different facilities and procedures requires a sophisticated computerised management system to ensure good management decisions can be made based upon good information, sound future planning, and adequate financial allocations to maintain TLM supplies at target levels for every school in the country.
- There is growing recognition that ICT and print-based TML may soon be in direct competition for available funding in the future.
- TLM systems costs are generally a more significant indicator of system affordability and sustainability than simple unit textbook costs
- Very few countries have explore the full range (or even limited range) of the cost reduction possibilities available to them.
The study concludes with a recommendation of a set of tools that should facilitate evidence-based dialogue between DPs, national policy-makers, and TLM professionals (printers, publishers – both print and digital – booksellers, other distributors etc.) on the design of appropriate and affordable systems.