Notes to Broadcasters

UNESCO recently announced that February 13^th has been chosen as the date to mark the new annual World Radio Day. This special day gives all radio practitioners and enthusiasts a chance to celebrate their craft and share experiences.

To celebrate the power and reach of radio on this first World Radio Day, Farm Radio Weekly asked our writers to seek out farmers who have benefitted from the simple act of listening to the radio. We are pleased to present examples of farmers who were inspired to try new ideas and practices after first hearing about them on the radio. These stories show that listening is just the start. Farmers went on to find more information and test the different practices on their own farms, with success. In our story from Kenya, Mrs. Joan Kimokoti went on to share her success with others by becoming a guest on the radio show, and advising other farmers who contacted her.

UNESCO has details of the day on its website: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/world-radio-day/

Full details on how the day came about, and the importance of radio, can be found here:  http://www.worldradioday.org/

The Communication for Development Network has further information: http://c4dnetwork.ning.com/

Various activities have already been planned. UNESCO will present a number of initiatives on its website, and more activities will be announced on the World Radio Day Facebook page, which you can access here:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1235132307&ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/World-Radio-Day/244826332245912 Click “Like” to ensure you receive updates.

We would love to hear about any activities you or your station are planning. Perhaps you are preparing a dedicated radio program. Or interviews? Or maybe a community event? Please let us know. We will share your activities in the coming weeks. Contact: farmradioweekly@farmradio.org

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This story presents a situation with triple benefits: for the women fish processors involved, for people who eat fish, and for the environment. The women receive a better price and preferential treatment from fish buyers; fish consumers eat fish which is cleaner and more hygienic; and the environment benefits because trees are not cut to smoke the fish.

Here is a recent story on solar dryers:

Solar Tent Fish Dryer Will Reduce Loss (August 18, 2009) http://allafrica.com/stories/200908180027.html

Here is a blog entry which talks about the situation in Lake Chilwa: http://mosephiri.blog.co.uk/2011/09/20/solar-drying-tech-saves-fish-wastage-money-11880430/

You might want to look at the results of this scientific study. The study shows that fish processed with a solar drier retained less moisture than sun-dried fish. Dried fish with lower moisture are less prone to infestation by mould, and have a longer shelf life. Solar-dried fish were also more hygienic in the experiment in terms of lower bacterial infection. Finally, the study showed that full drying took only three days with solar dryers, as opposed to seven days with sun-drying.

You can see the study here:

http://www.wiloludjournal.com/pdf/fishaq/2010/8-16.pdf

The NGO Practical Action has many resources on solar dryers. See: http://practicalaction.org/drying-answers

One Practical Action document is entitled, “Construction and Maintenance of the Solar Fish Dryer.” You can see it here: http://practicalaction.org/construction-and-maintenance-of-the-solar-fish-drier

Here is a more general resource, from CTA, on drying agricultural produce:  http://www.anancy.net/documents/file_en/RRRP_01-8-en.pdf

Farm Radio International published a script on solar dryers in 2006.

Three Fishing Ladies with a Message about Solar Dryers (Package 79, Script 6, November 2006)

http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/79-6script_en.asp

If fishing or aquaculture is an activity in your listening area, talk to fishers, processors and traders. Ask them:

In what ways are fish processed?  For example, they may be dried, smoked, ground into fish meal, used for fertilizer, used as animal feed, etc.

How are fish dried?

Do fishers, processors, traders, or consumers report any problems with dried fish?

Are solar dryers used to dry fish?

If so, how were they introduced to the area?

Do those who use solar dryers report benefits?

Do they report any problems?

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This story shows a group of determined farmers who are changing their fortunes, with the help of agricultural experts. The story mentions a variety of practices that the farmers are now using, from water management, to pest management, to marketing practices.

Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on these topics. For example, you can find scripts on crop production at: http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/crop.asp

Scripts on pest management are available at: http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/pest.asp

And scripts on water management can be found here:  http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/water.asp

Here’s a script that talks about drip irrigation, one of the practices mentioned in the script.

Supply Water Directly to Plant Roots with Pitcher and Drip Irrigation (Package 71, Script 10, June 2004).

http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/71-10script_en.asp

The story talks about “peri-urban” farmers, farmers who grow crops outside of, but near to, a city. Here are two scripts that talk about urban dwellers using “sack farming” to grow vegetables. .

Sack farming: Unlimited vegetable harvest! (Package 90, Script 9, April 2010).

http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/90-9script_en.asp

Women use ‘hanging gardens’ to grow vegetables and solve land crisis (Package 90, Script 8, April 2010).

http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/90-8script_en.asp

The story also refers to marketing strategies – understanding supply and demand, and choosing to grow crops which are in high demand. Farm Radio International published four scripts on marketing issues in Package 66, in March 2003. You can access these scripts here:  http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/numerical.asp Scroll down to package 66.

There are good opportunities for small-scale farmers to sell into nearby tourist markets in Africa. One study found that a very high percentage of hotels in tourist areas on the Kenyan coast purchased their fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, chicken and fish from small-scale producers. See: http://www.ajol.info/index.php/kjbm/article/viewFile/52163/40789

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This story mentions several ways in which farmers can use trees to help their crops. Mixing trees and crops in this way is called agroforestry. Trees help crops in many ways. Some trees, especially leguminous trees such as Gliricidia sepium, add nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil through their roots and leaves. Many trees help keep moisture in the soil, and shade crops from the withering effects of direct sun. Others act as windbreaks. And of course, trees can directly provide farmers with products such as fruit, nuts, firewood, and timber for construction.

For general resources on agroforestry, see:

Agroforester’s Library: http://www.agroforestry.net/aflibr.html

The Overstory: This non-academic, plain language agroforestry journal is no longer published, but 100 issues are freely available on-line at: http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/osprev.html

FACTnet Fact Sheets on agroforestry species: http://www.winrock.org/fnrm/factnet/factnet.htm

This recent news article talks about Kenyan farmers using fertilizer trees:

Farmers turn to ‘fertiliser tree’ to boost crop production (Business Daily, May 30, 2011) http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/-/539444/1171952/-/122lfrcz/-/index.htm

Here is an overview of the World Agroforestry Centre’s Evergreen agriculture program, which includes fertilizer trees among other projects:

http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/evergreen_agriculture

Farm Radio International has published many scripts on forestry and agroforestry. You can browse these scripts here: http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/forestry.asp

Here’s a script which shows how reforestation can bring rains back.

Community Reforestation Brings Back the Rains in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana (Package 78, Script, July 2006). http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/04/06/community-reforestation-brings-back-the-rains-in-the-brong-ahafo-region-of-ghana/

Here is a recent script which talks about the various benefits that trees offer farmers.

Paying farmers for environmental services (Package 87, Script 5, April 2009).

http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/87-5script_en.asp

Two issues of Voices from 2005 talk about the benefits of agroforestry:

Trees Hold Down the Soil and Keep Back the Desert (Voices No. 76, October 2005)

http://www.farmradio.org/english/partners/voices/v2005oct.asp

Agroforestry in Africa (Voices No. 74, March 2005) http://www.farmradio.org/english/partners/voices/v2005mar.asp

Farm Radio Weekly has published a number of agroforestry stories. Here are a few:

Ethiopia: Farmers group proves that planting trees can reduce temperatures (FRW 61, April 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/04/06/ethiopia-farmers-group-proves-that-planting-trees-can-reduce-temperatures-daily-monitor-2/

Niger: Farmers plant trees to slow deserts’ advance (FRW 25, June 2008)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/06/16/1-niger-farmers-plant-trees-to-slow-desert%E2%80%99s-advance-various-sources/

Southern Africa: Tree is a ‘fertilizer factory’ in the field (FRW 82, September 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/09/28/2-southern-africa-tree-is-a-%E2%80%98fertilizer-factory-in-the-field%E2%80%99-mongabay-unep/

This FRW story talks about intercropping to improve fertility

Malawi: Intercropping helps farmer Phiri buy ox-cart (FRW 143, January 2011)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/01/31/malawi-intercropping-helps-farmer-phiri-buy-ox-cart-by-norman-fulatira-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-malawi/

Do farmers in your area grow or keep trees in their fields, or on the perimeter of their fields? Ask farmers how having trees benefits their crops. Do particular species offer specific benefits?

Ask farmers about ‘fertilizer trees.’ Do any farmers keep trees in the fields to boost soil fertility? Do they use particular tree species to shade their crops, to protect them from strong winds, or to retain soil on sloping fields?

If farmers are skeptical about using trees in their fields, find out whether they have reasons for not choosing to grow trees. Have they had negative experience in the past, or are their opinions based on other farmers’ experiences? Or on hearsay?

You could invite an agroforester, a representative from an NGO involved with agroforestry, or an extension agent to speak about how trees and crops can help each other. Invite farmers to phone in with their questions, complaints, comments, and problems. You could also feature a progressive farmer who uses trees in specific ways to help his or her crops.

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Water resource management is an increasing concern for farmers in rural areas. Last year saw extremes of drought and floods in Africa. Farmers can get better access to water for household or agricultural use by harvesting rainwater, either by collecting water in tanks, or by using soil management techniques.

In 2009, Farm Radio International produced an issue pack on water harvesting, which is full of information, examples and links on different methods of water harvesting: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/89-3script_en.asp

Practical Action is a UK-based NGO. They have produced what they call a “Practical Answer” online technical guide on rainwater harvesting: http://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/rainwater_harvesting.pdf

And http://practicalaction.org/rainwater-harvesting-drought

CTA produced a Rural Radio Resource Pack – 07/1, Rainwater Harvesting:

http://www.anancy.net/uploads/file_en/RRRP%20Rainwater%20harvesting%2007-1.pdf

Ag Fax recently produced a report from Uganda on rooftop rainwater harvesting for domestic use. You can find an audio file and transcript here: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=469

Farm Radio Weekly published a story last year on collecting rainfall:

-Zimbabwe: Collecting rainfall in the city (FRW 141, January 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/01/17/zimbabwe-collecting-rainfall-in-the-city-ips/

Here are some scripts from Farm Radio International on collecting and using water:

-Drip Irrigation (Package 84, August 2008)

http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/84-12script_en.asp

-Catch rain from your roof (Package 89, Script 6, December 2009) http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/89-6script_en.asp

-Irrigated farming improves the income of rural farmers (Package 86, Script 6, December 2008) http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/86-6script_en.asp

Or visit the water management script archive at http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/water.asp

You could also invite farmers to call or text your station with their rainwater harvesting experiences and innovations. Or, you could record in-the-field discussions amongst farmers about best practices for catching the rain, then broadcast that discussion.

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The hundreds of varieties of banana provide food for millions of people in Africa. Bananas are relatively easy to grow, and a common sight along roadsides and in gardens. But on top of their value as a household food, bananas are versatile and nutritious and can be processed into chips, cakes, flour, purees for baby food, and even vinegar and beer. Processed banana products can be a small-scale business opportunity, as we see in this story. Post-harvest processing, especially of common crops such as banana or cassava, is an important way for farmers to add value to their crops and boost their incomes.

For background information on processing bananas, visit: http://bananas.bioversityinternational.org/en/what-we-do-mainmenu-27/processing-aamp-marketing-mainmenu-100.html

Read about some banana products and descriptions of processing techniques at: http://www.techno-preneur.net/information-desk/sciencetech-magazine/2010/july10/Value%20Added%20Products%20from%20Banana/Banana.html

Here you can read all about how to make banana chips: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/product_info.php?products_id=69

Banana leaves and other by-products are also increasingly used in handicrafts: http://www.africanaturally.com/paper.htm

Here are some recent stories from FRW on bananas:

-East Africa: Handmade banana briquettes could replace firewood (FRW 66, May 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/05/18/2-east-africa-handmade-banana-briquettes-could-replace-firewood-bbc-news/
-Rwanda: Processing bananas changes lives in Rwanda (FRW 41, October 2008) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/10/27/1-rwanda-processing-bananas-changes-lives-in-rwanda-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-mombasa-kenya/

-Rwanda: Ban on plastic bags creates new market for banana bags (FRW 94, January 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/01/11/3-rwanda-ban-on-plastic-bags-creates-new-market-for-banana-bags-syfia-grands-lacs-spore/

Browse our bank of scripts on food processing here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/food.asp

You may wish to produce a program on local opportunities for small-scale processing. Which crops are commonly processed as street food, for example? Is this only a women’s domain – how common is it to see men engaged in food processing? Is there a surplus of any particular crop in one season, which may provide an opportunity for processing? You could seek out local enterprises which make juice or chips, and ask them how they started, what the difficulties are, and how they have benefited.

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Ethiopia has an extremely varied geography and climate. Its highland areas are very fertile, and provide a good climate for growing both tropical and temperate fruits. Some kinds of temperate fruit were introduced centuries ago by Europeans; others, like the apple, are relatively new introductions.

Here’s a general introduction to agriculture in Ethiopia from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Ethiopia

Here are 13 photos which accompanied the original story, as published in the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/gallery/2011/dec/21/farming-eastern-ethiopia-in-pictures

Here are two stories on growing temperate fruits in Ethiopia:

Temperate fruits transforming lives in a tropical country: http://www.norway.org.et/News_and_events/etiopia/fruits/

Apple trees transform the life of a farmer in Ethiopia http://67.129.98.107/news.nsf/news/ethiopia-agriculture-200903-enews?OpenDocument&ref=eNewsArchive&lpos=ctr_txt_eNews_Archive-ethiopia-agriculture-200903-enews

And here is a report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on fruit nurseries in two Ethiopian states:

FAO’s Fruit Nurseries in Amhara and Tigray Regions: Vibrant Projects Full of Promise http://www.fao.org/uploads/media/FocusMagazine8.pdf

Farm Radio International has published a number of scripts on the benefits of growing fruits. See the following two, for example:

Fruit Changes Farmers’ Lives (Package 81, Script 10, August 2007). http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/81-10script_en.asp

Growing fruit trees: A Participatory Radio Campaign in Uganda helps farmers earn income, improve the environment and enhance household nutrition (Package 94, Script 2, December 2011). http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/94-2script_en.asp

If you live in a highland area, farmers may already be growing apples, pears, cherries, grapes, or other temperate fruit. If not, temperate fruit production might be a good investment, especially if there is easy access to large towns and cities, or to export markets.  Of course, growing fruit also brings health benefits – if, unlike the farmer in the story, your family decides to actually eat the fruit!

Talk to farmers and extension workers in your listening area. Find out if the climatic conditions are right for growing temperate fruit. If so, is there a ready market? Does your national government have any plans to diversify into producing temperate fruit? Interview an official from the Ministry of an extension supervisor. Perhaps some farmers have tried growing temperate fruit in the past, and failed. But perhaps conditions have changed. Maybe the road infrastructure has improved, or nearby towns have grown and offer a larger and more diversified market.

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This story is a good example of a project which has benefits for both farmers and the global environment. Farmers benefit by getting access to cheap energy, which leaves them more money for education and other goods and services. They also make good quality fertilizer as a by-product. The environment benefits because methane is not released into the atmosphere from decomposing manure.

For more general and technical information on biogas, see these reports and websites:

“Biogas, a Technical Brief by Practical Action. Downloadable at http://practicalaction.org/biogas

Supergas website: http://www.supergas.info/

African Biogas Partnership Programme: http://africabiogas.org/knowledge-center/

Here are two recent new reports on cow dung and biogas in Senegal and in Uganda:

-“Cow Dung Generates Energy for Households in Senegal”: http://www.africagoodnews.com/infrastructure/energy/2735-cow-dung-generates-energy-for-households-in-senegal.html

-“Bio Gas Brought a New Dawn in Mugisha’s Life”: http://allafrica.com/stories/201108040446.html

You may also wish to revisit some stories from the Farm Radio Weekly series on energy in June 2011. Here is one story on biogas from that series:

-Rwanda: Powering homes with cow dung (FRW 160, June 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/20/rwanda-powering-homes-with-cow-dung-alertnet/

Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on climate change, and on livestock farming. You can browse these scripts at http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/climate.asp and http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/livestock.asp

The following script talks about a method for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming:

Breeding cows in a zero-grazing system can be a dual environmental solution (Package 89, Script 5, December 2009) http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/89-5script_en.asp

This story touches on several issues: the livelihood of livestock farmers, ways to decrease or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and sources of renewable energy.

Biogas is one form of renewable energy. Others include solar energy, energy from moving water (electricity from small or large dams, for example), and biofuels made from plants like jatropha.

You could ask farmers in their area where they get their energy for cooking, lighting, and other uses, including charging mobile phones.

Do they use any renewable resources such as the ones mentioned above? Many farmers use only wood or charcoal for household energy. Unless carefully stewarded, this results in deforestation.

Are there individuals, businesses, schools, or other institutions in nearby villages or towns that use solar energy? Talk to farmers, merchants, local business leaders, and local NGOs.

What do farmers in your listening area do with their animal manure? Is it used for fertilizer? Do they compost the manure, or is it simply left in place or carried to the fields? Are there biodigesters in your listening area? If so, interview the people who own and/or use the biodigester and get their story. How did the biodigester project start? What benefits do they expect and have their received from the biodigester? How is it working? How was the initial investment covered?

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Our story from Madagascar highlights the benefits of women becoming involved in agriculture. In most of Africa – and indeed around the world – women are already responsible for the bulk of the family’s food production.  But there are often traditions and customs which dictate, or at least strongly influence, which crops women can and do grow.

For facts and figures, stories from around the world, and links to further resources on gender and agriculture, see: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/idrw/

The 2012 World Development Report on Gender Equality and Development is available at: http://go.worldbank.org/CQCTMSFI40

For your reference, here are two recent news reports on gender, agriculture and development:

-“Give women the seeds and they can feed the world:  http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=105234

-“Gender equality: Why involving men is crucial: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=93870

Women make up the majority of small-scale, subsistence farmers in the developing world. Gender inequality in agriculture is a problem not just for women but for the agricultural sector, for food security, and for society as a whole. The Food and Agriculture Organization stated that, if women in developing countries worldwide had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30 per cent and lift 100-150 million people out of hunger.

Here are some quick facts on women in sub-Saharan Africa:

-Women are responsible for 70 to 80 per cent of household food production
-Women are responsible for obtaining 90 per cent of water, wood, and fuel
-55 per cent of primary students not enrolled in school are girls
-Nearly twice as many women over age 15 are illiterate compared to men
-Women are 1.6 times more likely than men to be infected by HIV
-77 per cent of all HIV-positive women live in sub-Saharan Africa

(Sources: The Hunger Project, IFPRI, UNAIDS, UNFPA)

Here are three recent reports on these issues:

“African women farmers, an untapped goldmine”: http://www.afrik-news.com/article18377.html

“Female Farmers Overcome Barriers to Feed Africa”: http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6431

“100 Years of International Women’s Days: African Women Farmers Struggle for Fairness”: http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/blogs/100-years-of-international-womens-day/african-women-farmers-struggle-for-fairness/

IPS News hosts The Gender Wire, which is full of resources and stories on women in the news. You can subscribe to their newsletter here: http://ipsnews.net/genderwire/

Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on women, gender and agriculture. Take a look at these two scripts;

- Gender mainstreaming in farmers’ co-operative: Groups in Ghana achieve food security for small-scale farmers (Package 94, Script 10, December 2011). http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/94-10script_en.asp

- Women produce most of our food (Package 70, Script 1, March 2004). http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/70-1script_en.asp

You can browse the complete list here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/gender.asp

Read again the stories and links in the special issue of Farm Radio Weekly for International Women’s Day, March 2011: http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/issue-147/

Gender and the roles of women and men in professional and domestic life is always a rich topic for discussion and debate. Broadcasters could produce programs on this topic to provoke debate and raise awareness. Don’t forget to talk to men in their families or communities to get their perspective.

You might want to find out whether there are limitations on the ways in which women are or can be involved in farming. Talk to farmers, extension workers, and, especially, women!

You might start by asking what kinds of work women usually do in the community. Depending on the response, you could follow up with questions about what crops women grow, and what crops women do not grow and why.

You could ask if there are traditions that specify which crops and which kinds of farming work women can be involved with. For example, women might be allowed to grow vegetables and beans, but not cash crops. They may also be allowed to raise small but not large livestock. Sometimes the rules are rigid; at other times, they are not.  You could talk to elders in the community and ask them about the origins of these traditions. You could also ask whether people – including young farmers – think these traditions are still relevant, or whether it is time for things to change.

Finally, you might ask whether people think there are some benefits to women contributing to the family income by farming.

This story also mentions SRI, the System for Rice Intensification. For more information on SRI, see the following reports:

“Systems of Rice Intensification: Achieving more with less – A new way of rice cultivation”: http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/245848/index.html

“SRI-Rice Online”: http://sri.ciifad.cornell.edu/

“How to help rice plants grow better and produce more: Teach yourself and others”:

http://www.tefysaina.org/manuelSRI-us.pdf

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This story tells how farmers in Guinea have benefitted from growing a new variety of tomato. The new variety was developed according to farmer’s needs, and suits local conditions well. In fact, it has been such a success that markets are becoming saturated. This can be a danger with any successful crop. Prices may drop, so farmers should ensure that they can rely on other crops or incomes. On-farm diversity benefits farmers and the environment in many ways. In this situation, growing a variety of crops can act as a cushion against one crop failing, or remaining unsold.

For technical details of the Moungal variety (in French only) see: http://technisem.com/index.php?m=0&lang=fr&rub=3&opt=3&cat_prod=95

In French only, here is the website of the research centre which developed the tomato variety: http://www.irag-guinee.org/index.php?query=irag&id=institut&target=centre&rub=region&region=foulaya

Here are some recent stories from Farm Radio Weekly on tomatoes, and also on biodiversity:

Madagascar: Women blend agriculture with forest restoration (FRW 112, May 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/05/24/2-madagascar-women-blend-agriculture-with-forest-restoration-ips-gender-links/

Rwanda: Don’t waste your waste! Farmers use human urine as fertilizer (FRW 124, August 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/08/23/3-rwanda-don%E2%80%99t-waste-your-waste-farmers-use-human-urine-as-fertilizer-syfia-grands-lacs/

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Farmers learn rainy season techniques from across the border (FRW 106, April 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/04/12/1-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-farmers-learn-rainy-season-techniques-from-across-the-border-syfia-grands-lacs/

Browse Farm Radio International’s archive of scripts on biodiversity here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/biodiversity.asp

This story may inspire you to produce a program on the advantages and disadvantages of growing new varieties. Here are some general questions to get your research started. You could interview farmers, seed merchants, researchers or NGO staff.

-Under what circumstances are new varieties beneficial?

-What benefits have farmers seen with new varieties?

-Why do farmers choose newly bred varieties?

-What are the main drawbacks – for example, do farmers need to buy seed each year?

-Are any farmers returning to traditional varieties instead of seeking seeds of new varieties?

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The push-pull approach was designed to protect maize from stem borers. This type of pest management − using plants which are locally available as part of a system that is easy to set up and manage − often produces benefits beyond controlling pests. In this case, Napier grass and desmodium can provide good fodder for livestock. Farmers, as in this story, are now taking advantage of this and increasing their milk production and sales. Other benefits − of desmodium in particular − as reported by farmers and researchers, are soil improvement, including better water retention and increased nitrogen, and management of striga.

For full details on the push-pull technique and the plants involved, visit: http://www.push-pull.net

This webpage from infonet-biovision outlines 12 steps to planting a push-pull field: http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/253/soilFertilityManagement.

To browse Farm Radio International scripts on pest management, go to:  http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/pest.asp.

Read this previous Farm Radio Weekly story on push-pull:

Kenya: ‘Push-pull’ method protects maize from major pests (FRW 108, April 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/04/26/2-kenya-%E2%80%98push-pull%E2%80%99-method-protects-maize-from-major-pests-ips-infonet-biovision/

If stem borers and striga (sometimes called witchweed) are major problems in your area, you may wish to produce a program on the topic, sharing this week’s news story and highlighting this technique. You could also include a live discussion featuring one or more farmers or extension workers familiar with the push-pull method, or other natural pest control techniques.

You might also wish to produce a show that invites farmers to call-in or text-in their experiences with alternative pest control methods:

-Have farmers in your area heard of or tried intercropping as a way to control weeds or unwanted insects?
-Have farmers in your area discovered other alternatives to commercial pesticides?
-Do they find the alternatives more or less effective in reducing pest damage and increasing yields?

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The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty developed nearly twenty years ago. For the last 17 years, countries which have signed the convention have met to discuss and strengthen the global response to climate change. The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the UNFCCC that commits developed countries to legally binding reductions of their carbon emissions. The first period of the Protocol began in 2008 and will expire in 2012. One of the topics on the agenda in Durban was to decide on a way forward after 2012. Many farmers’ organizations were present, hoping to get their concerns heard, and lobbying for agreements which would benefit farmers over the long term.

For more information on the talks and the framework convention, visit the UNFCCC’s official pages:

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

http://unfccc.int/portal_francophone/items/3072.php

http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/

AMARC’s reporters have been uploading audio and photos to their site:

http://www.amarc.org/index.php?p=AMARC_cop17_podcast

http://www.amarc.org/index.php?p=AMARC_COP17_photos

Some recent news reports from Africa on the climate change talks:

-“Commitment needed for climate change” http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/-/689860/1288854/-/1hvnj0z/-/

-“Rural Women in Africa Speak Out at Climate Conference”

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Rural-Women-in-Africa-Speak-Out-at-Climate-Conference-134825718.html

Here are a few other recent pieces on climate change and agriculture:

“Climate Change: Agriculture at the Negotiating Table”

http://spore.cta.int/images/stories/pdf/SE156-web.pdf (page 4)

“Peasant agriculture: a real solution to climate change”

http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/Peasant-agriculture-a-real?lang=es

“Victories for food and farming in Durban climate deals”

http://ccafs.cgiar.org/news/press-releases/victories-food-and-farming-durban-climate-deals

Script package 89, from December 2009, focused on farmers adapting to climate change. Access scripts from this package and earlier scripts on the same topic here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/climate.asp

Here are some recent stories on climate change published in Farm Radio Weekly:

-Southern Africa: Agricultural unions to observe climate change meeting (FRW 178, October 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/10/31/southern-africa-agricultural-unions-to-observe-climate-change-meeting-afp/

-Rwanda: Climate change worries farmers on World Food Day (FRW 131, October 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/10/11/rwanda-climate-change-worries-farmers-on-world-food-day-by-jean-paul-ntezimana-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-rwanda/

-Kenya: Re-discovering cassava during drought (FRW 160, June 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/20/kenya-re-discovering-cassava-during-drought-ips-daily-nation/

-Uganda: Drama and song raise awareness of climate change (FRW 118, July 2010)     http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/07/05/1-uganda-drama-and-song-raise-awareness-of-climate-change-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-uganda/

-Kenya: Farmers use drought-resistant crops and improved access to water to adapt to climate change (FRW 114, June 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/06/07/2-kenya-farmers-use-drought-resistant-crops-and-improved-access-to-water-to-adapt-to-climate-change-farm-radio-weekly-scientific-american/

The Issue pack from package 89 has lots of background information and program ideas: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/89-1script_en.asp

In view of the talks in Durban, you might want to prepare some radio pieces to highlight climate change. You could ask farmers if they have noticed any changes in the weather over the long term, and whether they know about or are interested in the climate negotiations. Find out if the local agricultural extension department has information or projects on climate change, and ask them how the high-level talks affect their work. Ask if there is funding available for climate change projects for farmers, or if local government or NGO staff have experience accessing funding for climate change initiatives.

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In 1988, the World Health Organization designated December 1 as World AIDS Day. Since then, this is the day when the world remembers people lost to AIDS, takes stock of progress made in halting the disease, and raises awareness to overcome stigma and increase understanding. The theme this year is Getting to Zero. Zero refers to zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

For more information on the 2011 World AIDS Day campaign, visit: http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/world-aids-day/world-aids-day-2011/

For basic background information on HIV and AIDS, go to:

http://www.who.int/features/qa/71/en/index.html

http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FastFacts/default.asp

Latest data by country can be accessed at: http://www.unaids.org/en/dataanalysis/tools/aidsinfo/countryfactsheets/

Review the stories Farm Radio Weekly published for World AIDS Day, over two editions,last year: http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/issue-137/

http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/issue-138/

In January 2005, Farm Radio International published a package of scripts that focused on HIV and AIDS and food security. To find these scripts, go to: http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/numerical.asp, and scroll down to Package 73.

Here are more Farm Radio International scripts on HIV and AIDS:

Food is Medicine: HIV/AIDS and Nutrition. Package 65, Script 7, October 2002. http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/65-7script_en.asp

Gender and HIV/AIDS. Package 81, Script 7, August 2007.  http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/81-7script_en.asp

HIV/AIDS: Preventing mother-to-child transmission. Package 69, Script 6, December 2003.  http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/69-6script_en.asp

Here are some previous news stories on HIV and AIDS published in Farm Radio Weekly:

Africa: Local food essential for HIV-positive people (Issue 53, January2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/01/26/africa-local-food-essential-for-hiv-positive-people-un-integrated-regional-information-networks/

Uganda: Mulago Positive Women’s Network discovers potential of mushroom cultivation (Issue 57, March 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/03/02/2-uganda-mulago-positive-women%E2%80%99s-network-discovers-potential-of-mushroom-cultivation-written-by-joshua-kyalimpa-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kampala-uganda/

World AIDS Day may inspire broadcasters to produce programs or hold activities to mark the day. We would love to hear about your events, and will share them in Farm Radio Weekly. Meanwhile, the following section provides advice and ideas on creating programs that deal with HIV and AIDS, and important messages that your programs can pass on:

Program Planning
-Involve people living with HIV and AIDS in your broadcasts. Encourage them to tell their stories on the radio. Withhold their identity if they prefer to remain anonymous.
-Remember that media itself can stigmatize people living with HIV and AIDS, and try to avoid this pitfall. For example, radio has a responsibility to notify the public that HIV and AIDS is not a punishment for bad behaviour!
-Work with health professionals when preparing programs about the health aspects of HIV and AIDS. You need reliable sources in order to disseminate useful broadcasts and to avoid spreading misinformation.
-Work with NGOs to amplify their work and yours. In particular, identify and work with traditional theatre and other groups that use effective ways to reach local people. Dramatizations are most effective when they are followed by a discussion or a call-in show.
-Get support from upper management. Explain to supervisors that radio programming can save people’s lives, that there has never been a challenge like HIV before, and that no country can afford to ignore it.

-Be bold in taking risks and pushing limits. There is a natural shyness when it comes to talking about sexual relations. But it is impossible to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS without discussing sex openly and frankly. You might take a little heat, but remember that what you are doing is saving lives. In too many places, a conspiracy of silence has allowed HIV to infect and kill millions, and impact every aspect of human life.

-Involve youth. Youth is one of the hardest groups to reach. No one can communicate with youth better than youth itself. Give young people basic radio production skills and encourage them to develop their own programming. Their programs will be more interesting and attractive to youth.

-Involve adults when you develop programs for youth. Form an advisory committee of parents and community leaders, including religious leaders. This will reduce the chances of strong opposition to the programs.

-Incorporate messages about HIV and AIDS into programming on other issues. It is important not to address HIV and AIDS in isolation. In some places it is regarded as a taboo subject or people have become numb to HIV and AIDS messages and have stopped listening.

-Add a lighter tone now and again. HIV and AIDS don’t have to be full of dread and death. It is possible to communicate about HIV and AIDS in a humourous and attractive way. Sex is generally a topic that attracts attention and can make people laugh. Capturing the laughter and fun in a race to blow up condoms or fill them with water, or getting people to role play a couple on their first date awkwardly discussing the need for protection can associate prevention with fun rather than fear.
-Invite faith-based organizations to discuss their beliefs about tolerance and acceptance and how these principles can be applied to people living with HIV and AIDS. Religious leaders have a role to play in helping people make the link between their religious beliefs and the stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS. Ask about teachings that include helping those who are less fortunate.
-Beware of misinformation about condoms that is purposely circulated by those who oppose condom use. Broadcasters have a responsibility to correct untruths, including claims that condoms don’t prevent HIV transmission or that they spread HIV. Check with health officials if you are not sure if a rumour is truth or fiction.
-Appreciate that HIV is not just another health problem. Think of HIV as a national security challenge. It has the potential to affect every aspect of life in a country. Radio broadcasters have a civic responsibility to ensure that radio is used effectively to reduce HIV infection and diminish its impact.

Important Messages
-Point out that testing positive for HIV is not a death sentence. After becoming infected, a person can live a perfectly normal life, showing no symptoms for five to ten years and even longer if they get antiretroviral treatment. The earlier the test is done, the easier it will be to keep healthy, and avoid getting re-infected and infecting others.
-Don’t waste time and confuse the public by talking about forms of transmission that may be possible but are very rare. Almost all HIV is sexually transmitted. The second largest transmission mode is from an infected mother to her child, and in almost all cases the mother was infected through sexual transmission. In some countries, injection drug users who share needles risk infection. Make sure that sexual transmission gets the attention it should. Most other methods of transmission are possible but are very, very unlikely − such as cuts from sharp metal objects. People worry too much about getting infected by very unlikely means such as casual contact with body fluids or sharing razors, and do not worry enough about unprotected sexual intercourse.
-Remind people that it is impossible to tell if a person is infected with HIV by looking at them or by their background. The vast majority of people who are infected don’t know they are infected; they live perfectly normal lives and show no signs or symptoms. They can be from any walk of life, age, economic group or educational level. HIV doesn’t discriminate, since the great majority of people over 15 years old have sex.

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Farmers across Africa commonly practice intercropping. Beans or squash are planted alongside maize, for example. There are many advantages to planting more than one type of crop on the same land. Farmers can make the most of the available land, sunlight, water, and nutrients. In this week’s story, farmers plant vegetables at the same time as a new sugarcane crop. The vegetables use the space, sunlight, and nutrients before the cane gets so tall that it shades the shorter plants. Researchers have also found that having some plants between the sugarcane prevents erosion and protects the soil – lots of reasons for trying it out!

For general background information on the technique of intercropping, visit: http://www.allindiary.org/pool/resources/intercropping.pdf

The Kenya Sugar Research Foundation website has lots of information about sugarcane in Kenya, and efforts to increase agrobiodiversity in sugarcane growing areas : http://www.kesref.org/innerkesref.php?subcat=28&sublev=2

Read more about some of the indigenous vegetables Mr. Wafula grows:

Spider plant http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/165/crops

Amaranth http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/169/crops

Black night shade http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/142/crops

Jew mallow http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Corchorus%20olitorius_En.htm

Farm Radio International has published scripts about how well-managed intercropping can benefit farmers, whether through reducing plant pests, or diversifying the food consumed at home:

-Understanding Plant Diseases (Package 72, Script 2, September 2004) http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/72-2script_en.asp

-Crop Rotation and Intercropping Reduce Damage from Striga Weed (Package 72, Script 6, September 2004) http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/72-6script_en.asp

-Diversify Crops to Keep your Family Healthy (Package 65, Script 1, October 2002) http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/65-1script_en.asp

Here are two Farm Radio Weekly stories related to intercropping:

-Uganda: Coffee and bananas make good neighbours (FRW 90, November 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/11/30/2-uganda-coffee-and-bananas-make-good-neighbours-iita/

-East Africa: Indigenous vegetables make a comeback (FRW 87, November 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/11/09/2-east-africa-indigenous-vegetables-make-a-comeback-new-vision-new-agriculturalist-2/

Intercropping is a relatively easy, low input, and low cost technique that can improve soils, increase productivity, increase diversity and incomes. Certain crops work well together, such as cereals and legumes. Farmers may be interested to hear more about the science involved, and then experiment with their own crop mixtures. You could seek out an expert from an NGO or the government, as well as a farmer who has experience with intercropping, to have an informative, discussion-based radio show.

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A recent report by Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSM) found that Africa has the fastest growing mobile phone market in the world. The GSM report predicts that there will be more than 735 million subscribers in Africa by the end of 2012.

Kenya is an example of the popularity of mobile phone banking, with the MPesa mobile money transfer becoming a widely-used service. Many observers expect that similar services in Zimbabwe will be just as successful and fast-growing. For people who live in rural areas, mobile banking is a great option. Many development agencies believe that services that can be provided through mobile phones will make great strides towards empowering rural communities. Farm Radio International has used mobile phone technology to enable listeners to participate in, or re-listen to, radio programs.

For background information and research on the use of mobile phones in development efforts, visit: http://audiencescapes.org/

MobileActive is a site for people using mobile technology “for social impact”: http://mobileactive.org/

Here is a recent news item about the success of MPesa in Kenya: http://thenextweb.com/africa/2011/10/24/local-transactions-by-kenyas-mobile-money-service-m-pesa-exceeds-western-unions-global-transactions/[k2]

Here are some previous Farm Radio Weekly stories featuring mobile phones and related technology:

-Kenya: Farmers link to markets through SMS (FRW 99, February 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/02/15/2-kenya-farmers-link-to-markets-through-sms-farm-radio-weekly-flooded-cellar-productions/

-Africa: Cell phones help farmers and traders do business more efficiently (FRW 7, January 2008) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/01/21/4-africa-cell-phones-help-farmers-and-traders-do-business-more-efficiently-farm-radio-weekly-africanewscom/

-Africa: African fishers and farmers will get more accurate weather info to better deal with climate change (FRW 73, July 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/07/13/2-africa-african-fishers-and-farmers-will-get-more-accurate-weather-info-to-better-deal-with-climate-change-farm-radio-weekly-and-global-humanitarian-forum/

You may wish to gauge the opinions of your listeners on cellular technologies and agriculture, or you may wish to research a local story on the topic. Here are some questions that might help:

- How do farmers in your area sell their products?
- Do farmers in your area have access to cell phones? If so, do they use SMS to receive market prices or sell goods?
- Have farmers in your area increased their incomes by using cell phones?
- Do farmers use their cell phones to receive or exchange other information that helps them in their farming?
If you interview farmers who use cell phones, we would be very interested in hearing their stories. E-mail us at farmradioweekly@farmradio.org.

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There have already been reports this season from the Sahel that poor rains are expected to lead to meagre harvests. The UN World Food Program (WFP) warns that, in Niger, we may see a repeat of last year’s food shortages. Families who have barely recovered from last year are most at risk.

For the full report from WFP: http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-calls-early-action-avoid-full-scale-food-crisis-niger

Other news reports:

-“Full scale food crisis threatens Niger and Mauritania” http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/full-scale-food-crisis-threatens-niger-and-mauitania-wfp

-“West Africa: Building resilience in the Sahel” http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94082

You may wish to refer to previous FRW news items on this topic, including:

-Sahel: Fighting malnutrition with local food security and water management initiatives (FRW 122, August 2010). http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/08/02/sahel-fighting-malnutrition-with-local-food-security-and-water-management-initiatives-irin-rfi-reuters-bbc-icrisat/

-Mali and Niger: Dealing with drought (FRW 117, June 2010). http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/06/28/1-mali-and-niger-dealing-with-drought-irin-afp/

Here are some Farm Radio International scripts that deal with drought and desertification:

-Farmers in Niger benefit from letting trees grow in their fields (Package 88, Script 7, July 2009). http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/88-7script_en.asp

-Make drylands productive with planting pits (Package 41, Script 1, September 1996). http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/41-1script_en.asp

-A 13-part radio drama set in northern Nigeria entitled, “The long dry season: A tale of greed and resourcefulness” (Package 77, March 2006)
http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/77_appendix_i_en.asp

-Micro-doses of Fertilizer Increase Yields in the Sahel (Package 79, Script 4, November 2006). http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/79-4script_en.asp

Food shortages and droughts are common throughout Africa. One way to report on them is to look at how farmers, NGOs and governments can prepare for these difficult times. The situation in the Sahel affects millions of people. Try to investigate issues on a local or regional level. You could interview a range of people. Here are some questions to ask:
-How do farmers and rural communities react to stories of famine from other regions?
-Does the local government have plans in place to deal with such emergencies?
-If your region is ever affected by floods, drought or hunger, how do NGOs and local authorities respond? Should they do more?

-Can individual farming families take effective actions by themselves, or are collective actions needed?

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We chose this story because it shows that nutrition is not only about the amount of food consumed, but that variety and quality are very important. Malnutrition is defined as the condition that develops when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. The term is commonly used to refer to children and people who do not have enough to eat, or are undernourished. But people who are over-nourished, or overweight, can also be malnourished if they do not consume enough essential vitamins and minerals. This can be caused by a lack of variety in the diet. Infants, young children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women need larger quantities of some nutrients. They are therefore more susceptible to malnutrition. So, as the story says, avoiding malnutrition is not about eating more, it is about eating better. In many cases, “better” means a more varied diet.

For more facts and information about malnutrition, please visit these sites:

-http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/malnutrition/en/

-http://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition

-http://www.who.int/topics/nutrition/en/

The website of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) also provides useful background information: http://www.gainhealth.org/about-malnutrition

GAIN is part of a partnership called Thousand Days, which promotes investment in improved nutrition for mothers and children in the 1,000 day period from pregnancy to age two. According to the GAIN website, better nutrition during this period can have a life-changing impact on a child: http://www.thousanddays.org/

Read more about the World Food Programme’s activities in DR Congo here: http://www.wfp.org/countries/Congo–Democratic-Republic-Of/Operations

Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on health and nutrition. Browse our archive here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/health.asp

Here are some recent stories from Farm Radio Weekly related to nutrition:

Zimbabwe: Women grow better lives near the city (FRW 168, August 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/08/15/zimbabwe-women-grow-better-lives-near-the-city-by-zenzele-ndebele-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-zimbabwe/

Mali: Traditional healers join fight against malnutrition (FRW 165, July 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/07/25/mali-traditional-healers-join-fight-against-malnutrition-irin/

Poor nutrition and hunger are all too common in sub-Saharan Africa at any time, especially in rural areas. You might wish to produce a program that covers the basic facts of nutrition and malnutrition, how to recognize and treat symptoms of malnutrition, or how to prevent malnutrition and promote good nutrition. As well as presenting facts, ask women and male farmers what they understand by malnutrition, and try to identify and clarify any misconceptions. Interview health experts or NGOs that work on nutrition and health. You could also explore the links between agriculture and nutrition, such as growing vegetables to diversify diets. It is a huge topic, so be creative!

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Farm Radio Weekly first reported on this insurance scheme when it was in the early stages of development (see http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/11/23/kenya-livestock-insurance-will-protect-livelihoods-from-drought-and-floods-associated-press-business-daily-ilri/). This week’s story states that the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has made the first payouts. Earlier this month, herders received payments from the first ever index-based livestock insurance scheme in Africa (other forms of livestock insurance schemes have been tested previously in Africa). ILRI told Farm Radio Weekly that, “While it is estimated that about one-third of the cattle in this region died due to the drought, herders who took out insurance for, say, 10 of their cattle, have been paid for all 10 animals whether or not those animals died or survived the drought.”

Sake Halakhe is a herder who was present at the meeting where the first payouts were made. On video, she told her story: ” My children came to me and told me about insurance and an insurance agent came here to tell us about it and that’s how I insured 10 cattle. The reason I started to insure my animals was because my children advised me to. The people of ILRI also came and advised me of the benefits of joining. I joined the second phase because I loved the idea of a better tomorrow. The first time I paid 4000 Kenya shillings, but today I got 16,000 shillings. With this money, I am going to buy some goat and cattle. I will advise the other women to join because its important.”

According to ILRI, if cattle are valued at 15,000 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) per head (about US$150), an insurance policy that covered 10 animals (about 150,000 Kenyan shillings or USD 1500) would pay out about Ksh 27,000 (US$270). Referring to farmers who have lost up to a third of their herds, Isaac Magina from UAP Insurance says, “When you look at a 33% loss, that is a significant portion of the asset base of any business and it would be difficult to survive without insurance.”

You can also watch these short videos on YouTube which show herders’ reactions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQs-us86D6M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nnxIUWnt0w&feature=related

For further comments from Jimmy Smith, ILRI’s director general, and photos of the community meeting he attended, visit:  http://www.ilri.org/ilrinews/index.php/archives/7348

Visit the Index-Based Livestock Insurance project’s website: http://livestockinsurance.wordpress.com/

Here are some previous Farm Radio International scripts on the subject of pastoralism:
-Camels provide farmers in drylands with milk and income (Package 76, Script 4, October 2005) http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/76-6script_en.asp
-The role of native breeds in maintaining livestock health: Story ideas for the radio (Package 63, Script 3, April 2002) http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/63-3script_en.asp
-Livestock management practices to cope with climate change (Package 84, Script 7, August 2008) http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/84-7script_en.asp

Compare this week’s story to this previous Farm Radio Weekly story on crop insurance payouts:

-Kenya: Mixed reactions as farmers receive crop insurance payouts (FRW 130, October 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/10/04/kenya-mixed-reactions-as-farmers-receive-crop-insurance-payouts-allafrica/

You might like to produce a program looking at the potential advantages and disadvantages of crop or livestock insurance for farmers. These types of insurance are relatively new and may generate interesting discussions. You could ask an insurance expert to comment, and ask farmers or agricultural experts in your region what they think of insurance. Here are some questions to inspire you:

-Why do farmers think insurance is a good idea in their circumstances? Or a bad idea?

-What reasons would an insurance representative give to farmers to encourage them to sign up?

-How much of a necessity are these types of insurance in your broadcast region? For example, are rainfall patterns stable?

-How much would farmers be willing to pay for insurance?

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This is an example of a human rights story. These stories can be challenging for journalists to research and for media organizations to broadcast or publish. But they often have great impact. In this case, women fish vendors are being placed in what they feel is an impossible situation simply because they are female. Simply bringing this story to light may effect change.

There are many resources available to support journalists who wish to write human rights or gender-based stories. We list a few here:

-Journalists for Human Rights website: http://www.jhr.ca/en/index.php

-International Journalists Network’s “Human Rights” page: http://ijnet.org/topics/human-rights

-“A Gender and Media Advocacy Toolkit”:

http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org/assets/texts/pdf/handbook_wacc_mission_possible_2008_en.pdf

Farm Radio Weekly has previously covered stories with a human rights focus, for example:

-Burkina Faso: Maternal health is a human right, insists Amnesty International (FRW 104, March 2010).

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/03/22/2-burkina-faso-maternal-health-is-a-human-right-insists-amnesty-international-farm-radio-international-rfi-amnesty-international/

-Southern Africa: Some progress towards defending farm workers’ rights (FRW 33, August 2008).

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/08/18/1-southern-africa-some-progress-towards-defending-farm-workers%E2%80%99-rights-buanews-world-socialist-website-new-era-africanews/

-Ghana: Strong customary laws prove a blessing for women (by Pius Sawa, for Farm Radio Weekly in Kenya) (FRW 134, November 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/11/08/ghana-strong-customary-laws-prove-a-blessing-for-women-by-pius-sawa-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kenya/

You can browse a variety of scripts on social and human rights issues in our archive: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/social.asp

Maybe some of these scripts or news items will inspire you to cover human rights issues in your region. Do you know of any issues similar to those raised in this week’s story from Democratic Republic of the Congo? Often, these situations continue in secrecy because people fear to speak out. Be sure of your facts, and remember to speak with officials and organizations who know the law and work to raise awareness.

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Months of preparation and negotiations have preceded the upcoming climate change talks in Durban. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty. It provides a framework for intergovernmental efforts to address climate change. Government representatives from around the world will attend the meetings, which are being referred to as COP 17 (Conference of the Parties). Many civil society groups will attend the conference in Durban with official observer status.

Visit the UNFCCC website here: http://unfccc.int/meetings/durban_nov_2011/session/6294.php

For more information about the UNFCC’s Clean Development Mechanism, visit: http://cdm.unfccc.int/

The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) has 16 members in 12 countries in southern Africa. Visit their website: http://www.sacau.org/

Script package 89, from December 2009 focused on the topic of climate change. Access scripts from this package and earlier scripts on the same topic here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/climate.asp

Here are some stories on climate change published in Farm Radio Weekly:

-Rwanda: Climate change worries farmers on World Food Day (FRW 131, October 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/10/11/rwanda-climate-change-worries-farmers-on-world-food-day-by-jean-paul-ntezimana-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-rwanda/

-Kenya: Re-discovering cassava during drought (FRW 160, June 2011) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/20/kenya-re-discovering-cassava-during-drought-ips-daily-nation/

-Uganda: Drama and song raise awareness of climate change (FRW 118, July 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/07/05/1-uganda-drama-and-song-raise-awareness-of-climate-change-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-uganda/

-Kenya: Farmers use drought-resistant crops and improved access to water to adapt to climate change (FRW 114, June 2010) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/06/07/2-kenya-farmers-use-drought-resistant-crops-and-improved-access-to-water-to-adapt-to-climate-change-farm-radio-weekly-scientific-american/

In view of the upcoming talks in Durban, you might want to prepare some radio spots to highlight climate change. You could ask farmers to ask how they experience climate change, and whether they are interested in the climate negotiations. Find out if the local agricultural extension department has information or projects on climate change, and ask them how the high-level talks affect their work. Ask if there is funding available for climate change projects for farmers, or if local government or NGO staff have experience accessing funding for climate change initiatives.

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