LITERACY AND LIVELIHOOD IN AN AGE OF GLOBALIZATION

Literacy goes far beyond the ability to read, write and do simple calculation. Literacy is an instrument for acquiring relevant knowledge and skills required for development in contemporary society so as to improve efficiency and productivity. This implies that people cannot acquire information required for their survival without literacy especially in the context of globalization. In essence, literacy is a tool for social, economic and political development of citizens. It is based on this premise that this paper seeks to look at the relationship between literacy, livelihood and globalization. It examined how literacy can be used as an instrument to improve livelihood of citizens within the context of globalization and the consequences of illiteracy on development. The paper concluded with a recommendation that citizens should be encouraged to take part in literacy programme and also vocational skills should be incorporated into the programme so as to make it relevant and useful to participants of the programme