Notes to Broadcasters

The frequency and severity of drought is likely an effect of climate change (http://phys.org/news/2013-03-devastating-east-african-drought-climate.html ), and scientists are trying to determine whether this trend will continue (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130118145354.htm). Whatever the cause of the weather events associated with the changing climate, it is undeniable that farmers will have to deal with changing and unpredictable weather patterns. It’s important to consider how to engage with your listeners on this subject.

The Kenyan farmer featured in this week’s story selected a new variety of beans to offset the diminishing yield and income from wheat. A recent story about new varieties of beans, “Cameroon: Bean farmer increases production with new variety,” can be found in FRW issue #241 through this link: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/08/cameroon-bean-farmer-increases-production-with-new-variety-by-anne-mireille-nzouankeu-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-cameroon/. An accompanying Notes to broadcasters is available here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/08/notes-to-broadcasters-new-varieties/

In the story from Tanzania, Dr. Ngowi refers to drought-tolerant maize varieties grown in Dodoma. Notes to broadcasters on this subject are available, with stories and scripts, from issue #128 (September 20th, 2010) at this link: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/09/20/notes-to-broadcasters-on-new-drought-tolerant-maize-varieties/

Tanzanian authorities tried to encourage drought-stricken farmers to grow sorghum, millet and cassava. Notes to broadcasters on sorghum and millet were produced recently (issue #245, May 2013) and can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/05/06/notes-to-broadcasters-sorghum-and-millet/

A story from June 2011 (“Kenya: Re-discovering cassava during drought, issue #160) describes how a Kenyan farmer coped with drought by growing cassava instead of maize. It is available here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/20/kenya-re-discovering-cassava-during-drought-ips-daily-nation/. You can read Notes to broadcasters about the 2011 Kenyan drought here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/20/notes-to-broadcasters-on-drought-in-kenya-2/.  Information on the 2011-12 East African drought is also available through Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_East_Africa_drought

Kenyan farmers, along with their Tanzanian counterparts, favour maize because they prefer its taste to the taste of drought-resistant sorghum or millet. Read a story from issue #114 (“Kenya: Farmers use drought-resistant crops and improved access to water to adapt to climate change,” June 2010) here: 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 accompanying Notes to broadcasters are here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/06/07/notes-to-broadcasters-on-farmers-adapting-to-drought/

It is not just crops that are affected by droughts. A Notes to broadcasters on droughts and cattle from issue #211 can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/08/06/notes-to-broadcasters-on-drought-and-cattle/

Farmers can sometimes lessen the effects of drought though water harvesting systems. There are Notes to broadcasters on good harvests and water management available through this link: http://www.barzaradio.com/content/notes-broadcasters-good-harvests-and-water-management. It contains some suggestions on how to raise the subject of drought-preparedness on the radio.

For more information and resources on coping with climate change, consider the following Farm Radio International scripts:
-Choosing crops for drought prone areas (Package 73, Script 3, January 2005)
-Supply water directly to plant roots with pitcher and drip irrigation (Package 71, Script 10, June 2004)
-Farmer Phiri uses infiltration pits to combat drought (Package 64, Script 6, July 2002)
-The role of native breeds in maintaining livestock health: Story ideas for the radio (Package 63, Script 3, April 2002)
-Dr. Compost talks about compost piles (Package 61, Script 6, October 2001)
-A farmer practices zero grazing (Package 51, Script 3, February 1999)

You might also consider producing a call-in and text-in show, or a locally researched news story, on one or both of the following topics:

1) Local climate change observations:
-What differences in seasonal temperature and rainfall patterns have people observed?
-Have floods and/or droughts been more frequent in the last 20-30 years than in previous decades?
-What differences in soil properties have been seen in recent decades?
-What changes in vegetation, including crops, pasture, and wild plants?

2) Local adaptation techniques:
-What crops have farmers struggled with, and which have proven well- suited to these new conditions?
-What sorts of feeding and care techniques have livestock farmers used to cope with new conditions?
-What steps have farmers used to prevent flooding and make the best use of available water?
-What other steps have farmers taken to maintain food security when facing severe drought or floods?

The articles on which the stories from Kenya and Tanzania were based can be found through these links: Kenya – http://www.trust.org/item/20130425101036-z1ild/?source=nlexpr&utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Expresso+25+April+2013; and Tanzania – http://www.trust.org/item/20130429131304-iuzfn/?source=hptop&utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Expresso+30+April+2013

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In this week’s story from Uganda, Ms. Acen decided to grow a wider range of crops. She is earning more income because she now produces goods for the market at different times of the year.

The following stories from previous editions of FRW also deal with crop choice:

-”Comoros: Farmer switches from growing luxury good to staple crops (FRW #238, March 2013) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/11/comoros-farmer-switches-from-growing-luxury-good-to-staple-crops-by-ahmed-bacar-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-comoros/

-”Congo-Brazzaville: Cassava scarce as farmers turn to growing pineapple” (FRW #219, October 2012) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/10/09/congo-brazzaville-cassava-scarce-as-farmers-turn-to-growing-pineapple-by-john-ndinga-ngoma-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-congo-brazzaville/

-”Niger: Onion producers suffer from market glut” (FRW #202, May 2012) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/05/28/niger-onion-producers-suffer-from-market-glut-ips/

-”Uganda: Organic certification allows farmers to tap export market” (FRW #68, June 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/06/01/2-uganda-organic-certification-allows-farmers-to-tap-export-market-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kampala-uganda/

-”Nigeria: Cassava ‘“waste‘“ is good food for goats” (FRW #54, February 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/02/02/nigeria-cassava-%E2%80%9Cwaste%E2%80%9D-is-good-food-for-goats-voa-news/

Issue #239 (March 2013) contained three stories about how farmers adapted their crops or their marketing in order to supply the market. You can find that issue here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/issue-239/

Many farmers frequently rethink the mix of crops they grow for reasons such as market changes, climate change, or promotion by NGOs. What sorts of choices and changes are farmers in your listening area making? Here are a couple of program ideas on the topic:

1) Host a call-in/text-in program inviting farmers to discuss their crop choices. If they’ve switched or introduced new crops in the past, what were their reasons and what were their results? If they have maintained the same crops while nearby farmers have made changes, what were their reasons and are they happy with their decision?

2) If you see a trend of farmers increasingly growing a new crop, interview some of the farmers about their decision. What do their farms look like now (for example, have they devoted some or all of their farms to the new crop or crops)? What have been the benefits and challenges of making the change? If some or all of their crops are non-food crops (such as coffee or cotton) what steps are they taking to ensure their family’s food security? While visiting areas where many farmers have made a change, see if you can find some farmers who have opted against change, and add their voices to the program.

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Poor people with few connections to those in high places often have trouble getting hold of land, and retaining control over it once it is theirs. Traditional peoples often do not have legal mechanisms such as title deeds that formalize individual claims over communal territories. Therefore, there is no legal back-up when powerful individuals, groups or companies try to take land into private or corporate ownership. It is unusual to get land back once it is taken away.

Land tenure is the relationship amongst people with respect to land and natural resources such as water and trees. Rules of tenure define how access is granted for the use, control, and transfer of land. In simple terms, land tenure systems determine who can use which resources for how long, and under what conditions.

Land tenure is an important part of social, political and economic life. It may be well-defined and enforceable in a formal court of law or through traditional (customary) authorities. Alternatively, land tenure may be relatively poorly defined, and leave land and people vulnerable to exploitation. The FAO has produced a document on the subject which can be found here: http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/Y4307E/y4307e05.htm

Issue #242 of Farm Radio Weekly highlighted the efforts of the Tanzanian government to wrest grazing land from the Maasai for “conservation” reasons. The situation is still fresh in the minds of locals, and the story can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/15/news-brief-tanzanian-maasai-to-lose-land-to-%E2%80%98green-land-grab%E2%80%99-agencies/ As the whole subject of land grabbing is current, the Notes to broadcasters linked with the story have been updated, and are available through this link: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/15/notes-to-broadcasters-on-land-grabs/

Women often find it hardest to stake a claim for land through national or customary laws. A Notes to broadcasters is available on the Barza website (June 2012) with stories and scripts on the subject, as well as program ideas. It is available here: http://www.barzaradio.com/content/notes-broadcasters-women-and-land-ownership-2

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Sorghum is an important world crop, used for food (as grain and in sorghum syrup or “sorghum molasses”), animal fodder, the production of alcoholic drinks, and biofuels. Most varieties are drought- and heat-tolerant, and are especially important in arid regions, where the grain is one of the staples for poor and rural people.

Millet probably originated in tropical West Africa. Pearl millet is now one of the major crops in the drier and less fertile agricultural regions of Africa. Millet is well-adapted to poor, dry, and infertile soils, and yields more reliably in these conditions than most other grains. For more information about sorghum and millet, see: http://www.gramene.org/species/sorghum/sorghum_intro.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millet

One of Farm Radio Weekly’s first issues (#2, December 2007) told how traditional crops such as millet and sorghum can help farmers maintain food security in the face of climate change. It is available here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2007/12/10/1-africa-re-discovery-of-traditional-crops-helps-farmers-cope-with-climate-change-farm-radio-weekly/

Another early issue (#6, January 2008) featured a story from Nigeria. The story described how farmers were included in field trials to identify the best millet varieties for dry conditions, and then multiply the seeds from those varieties. Read it here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/01/14/2-nigeria-farmers-test-best-millet-varieties-for-dry-conditions-allafricacom/

More recently, Farm Radio Weekly has produced stories about farmers who chose new crops to replace failing traditional crops.

-          Kenyan farmers have started growing upland rice to offset the decrease in maize production (issue #240, March 2013): http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/kenya-upland-rice-gives-hope-to-small-scale-maize-farmers-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kenya/

-          Tanzanian farmers are growing sesame instead of their usual cash crops (issue #239, March 2013): http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/18/tanzania-sesame-co-op-improves-yields-sales-and-income-by-paddy-roberts-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-tanzania/

-          Men return to growing sesame (issue #228, December 2012): http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/12/10/niger-men-return-to-growing-sesame-by-souleymane-saddi-maazou-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-niger/

The story of Mr. Moyo in this issue raises questions about growing non-traditional crops. You might consider producing radio spots or interviewing farmers on how they make decisions about these kinds of crops. For maize-growing regions in particular, you could follow up by asking maize farmers whether they have considered growing sorghum or millet.

Here are some questions to ask farmers:

Where do you get information about new varieties or non-traditional crops? What factors do you consider when choosing to grow something different? What circumstances would convince you to try a completely different crop? What are the most important factors in your decisions?

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Last year, 2012, was the Year of the Bat. The Year of the Bat was a global species awareness initiative launched by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats.

Flight has helped bats become one of the most widely distributed groups of mammals. Apart from the Arctic, the Antarctic and a few isolated oceanic islands, bats exist all over the world. They perform vital ecological tasks by pollinating flowers and dispersing fruit seeds. Many tropical plant species depend entirely on bats to distribute their seeds, which also assists reforestation. For more information on bats, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat

Bat colonies can contain thousands of individuals, and each animal can eat up to its own weight in insects every night. This considerably reduces populations of mosquitoes and agricultural pests, thereby improving rural livelihoods. By eating insect pests, bats reduce the need for pesticides. On the African continent especially, bats play a significant role in reducing malaria.

The “Bats of 37 Military Hospital” have been featured in several newspaper stories and blogs. A selection of these follow:

Military Hospital authorities get green light to cull bats (GhanaWeb) http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=96161 ;

Bats Adapt To Hospital Premises (Modern Ghana) http://www.modernghana.com/news/55720/1/bats-adapt-to-hospital-premises.html ;

The Bats of 37 Military Hospital (blog) http://anothercolor.com/GhanaBlog/?p=312

A recent story from the online version of the Ghanaian “Herald” newspaper in March 2013 (“37 Military Hospital Bats Could Harbour Deadly Virus” http://theheraldghana.com/?p=14826 ) highlights the issue of zoonoses (animal diseases which can be transmitted to humans). A more balanced write-up on one zoonotic disease can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henipavirus

The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) is mentioned in this week’s story. The KCCR is a joint venture between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Ghana; the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana; and the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, Germany. The KCCR is committed to combining research with educational programs. You can find their website here: http://kccr-ghana.org/kccr/

A story about using bat guano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was published by Farm Radio Weekly in May 2009 (issue #67). You can find it here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/05/25/1-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-bats-leave-good-fertilizer-on-village-ceilings-syfia-grands-lacs/ and the Notes to broadcasters are here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/05/25/notes-to-broadcasters-on-bat-guano/

Many people do not realize how important bats are for Africa. Despite their benefits, many people still think of bats as evil or as pests, and persecute them. What do your listeners think about bats? How are bats regarded in your community? Is there a colony equivalent to the one at 37 Military Hospital in your area? If so, how does it affect your listeners? What steps are being taken in your locale to protect, or prevent, bats?

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“United we stand, divided we fall.” By getting together, people can wield greater power, and more opportunities will arise. In this article, several issues are raised. As broadcasters, you have an opportunity to explore any or all of them. For a basic introduction to farmers’ co-operatives, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_cooperative

You can also revisit a recent Notes to broadcasters on co-operatives: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/06/11/notes-to-broadcasters-on-co-operatives-3/

For World Food Day on October 16, 2012, the United Nations highlighted the role that agricultural co-operatives can play in strengthening farmers’ hands. A short sound bite is available at http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2012/10/world-food-day-highlights-role-of-agricultural-cooperatives-in-fighting-hunger/

A report from Ethiopia states that agricultural co-operatives support small-scale farmers and marginalized groups such as young people and women by pooling their resources: http://allafrica.com/stories/201210190202.html

Co-operatives have also proven to be an effective vehicle for social inclusion, promoting gender equality and encouraging the involvement of youth in agriculture: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?Cr=hunger&Cr1=&NewsID=43299#.UIU_74aLiSo

On this same topic, see this script from our script package 93, December 2011:

http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-94-african-farm-radio-research-initiative-afrri/gender-mainstreaming-in-farmers-co-operative-groups-in-ghana-achieve-food-security-for-small-scale-farmers/

Small-scale farmers typically have poor access to markets, a lack of bargaining power, and a lack of access to financial services. Agricultural co-operatives can help small-scale farmers overcome these constraints: http://www.netnewspublisher.com/agricultural-cooperatives-could-expand-and-make-an-even-greater-contribution-against-poverty-and-hunger/

This script focuses on the potential benefits of agricultural co-ops. It can be found at http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/01/10/%E2%80%98together-we-stand%E2%80%99-agricultural-co-operative-society/

Script package 94 contains eight scripts and an issue pack on co-operatives. The issue pack gives examples of co-operatives, background information on co-operatives, production ideas for programming on co-operatives, and further resources on co-operatives – organizations, audio files, print documents, and a video. You can find package 94 at http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/

For earlier scripts on co-operatives, go to:  http://www.farmradio.org/script-categories/cooperatives/

A recent story about an elderly South African farmer who continues to profit by carefully choosing suitable crops was featured in FRW issue #240. Read it here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/south-africa-age-no-challenge-to-productive-woman-by-thuso-khumalo-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-south-africa/ The accompanying Notes to broadcasters can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/notes-to-broadcasters-older-farmers-and-their-farming-choices/

Do farmers in your area work together to obtain better market prices for their products, or purchase inputs as a co-operative? You may wish to find a farmers’ group and prepare a news story or arrange an on-air interview which profiles the group and their efforts.

-Who are the members of this group? Are they grouped by area, the type of crop they produce, etc.?

-Is there a mixture of young and old farmers? How do they get along? Who owns the resources? Is there a conflict between “age and experience” and “youth and energy”? If so, how are these issues dealt with?

-When did they come together? What were individual farmers’ experiences with processing and selling their crop prior to forming the group?

-Ask the members to describe in detail the procedures they use to process their goods, identify markets for their crops, gather them together, and sell them. Did they try other methods before determining that one method worked best?

-How much extra income do farmers earn as a result of group marketing, group processing, or group purchase of inputs? What are the other benefits of working together as a group (saving time, learning from each other, etc.)?

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Since 2008, there has been increasing interest in developing baobab seeds, leaves or dried fruit powder for consumer products. In 2010, the potential international market was estimated at $1 billion per year. The leaves, eaten fresh or as a powder, are commonly used as a vegetable or a soup ingredient in Africa. For more information, visit the Wikipedia site at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia

In 2011, Farm Radio Weekly published a story about baobab and its benefits to human nutrition. In this story, those who use it are also investing in safeguarding the forest environment. You can find the story here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/06/27/malawi-how-making-juice-can-save-a-forest-ips/. There are also Notes to broadcasters available through this link: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/09/29/notes-to-broadcasters-on-baobab/

In 2012, in partnership with UNEP/CMS, Farm Radio International celebrated The Year of the Bat. Bats are important pollinators of tropical forest plants, some of which flower only at night to attract the flying mammals. Without bats as their main pollinators, the baobab and many other species of trees and plants would cease to exist. Help us spread the word about Africa’s crucial, yet misunderstood, friend of the environment. You can find out more here: http://donate.farmradio.org/. The next issue of Farm Radio Weekly will feature a story about bats in Ghana. You will be able to read it at: http://weekly.farmradio.org

The National Academies Press has published several pages of information about the baobab and other “lost” African vegetables. The baobab pages are accessible through this link: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11763&page=74. Why not read through the document and see if any of the vegetables included are relevant to the country in which you broadcast?

A script from Farm Radio Resource Package 95 (Researching and producing farmer-focused programs)  shows how harvestable commodities can be turned into products which the market desires: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-95-researching-and-producing-farmer-focused-programs/processing-cereals-into-local-beer-an-income-generating-activity-for-women/

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Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

Achieving freedom of the press is a constant struggle for radio journalists in Africa. Many radio journalists have been attacked during conflicts or simply while doing a regular part of their job. To mark World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), we highlight two cases: one from the Central African Republic and another from Malawi.

Elisabeth Blanche Olofio is a journalist who suffered a tremendous ordeal during civil unrest. Miss Olofio works for Radio Be Oko, in the city of Bambari in the Central African Republic. On January 7, 2013, the Association des radios communautaires de République Centreafricaine published a communiqué, indicating that the journalist had been killed  by rebel forces engaged in an uprising against President Francois Bozizé, during an occupation of Bambari.

Weeks later, news emerged that Miss Olofio was not dead but had been severely beaten and her home ransacked. She had been targeted because of comments that she “talked too much.” To learn more, you can read this report by Reporters Sans Frontière (In French only): http://fr.rsf.org/rca-radios-communautaires-saccagees-10-01-2013,43891.html

In Malawi, journalist Anthony Masamba was simply conducting an interview when he was assaulted by the person he was interviewing. Mr. Masamba is the Bureau Chief of the Malawi Institute of Journalism. He told the Committee to Protect Journalists that he was assaulted while interviewing the head of the Malawi Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Chancellor Kaferapanjira.

In January 2013, Mr. Masamba questioned Mr. Kaferapanjira about news reports that the government had already overspent its budget and that protests against the rising costs of commodities were being planned by John Kapito, head of the Consumer Association of Malawi. Mr. Masamba said that Mr. Kaferapanjira stopped the interview, accused the journalist of being a “Kapito supporter,” grabbed the recorder, and began punching him in the face.

Mr. Masamba was treated for a fractured jaw and bruises at a hospital in Lilongwe. Here’s the full story on The Committee to Protect Journalists’ website: http://www.cpj.org/2013/01/malawian-journalist-assaulted-during-radio-intervi.php#more

For more information on WPFD, go to the UN Press Freedom Day website at: http://www.un.org/en/events/pressfreedomday/. The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity was endorsed by the UN Chief Executives Board on 12 April 2012, and is available in several languages, including English and French, at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/freedom-of-expression/safety-of-journalists/un-plan-of-action/

More information on the killing of radio journalist Rahma Abdulkadir in Somalia can be found here: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44480&Cr=somalia&Cr1=#.UXfQjLWLCSo

In Mali, a newspaper editor was released after four weeks in prison, having been charged with “inciting disobedience” and “publishing false news.” The story is available here: http://www.trust.org/trustmedia/news/mali-newspaper-editor-released-conditionally-after-four-weeks/

It is not just what they say or write; journalists can find themselves in trouble with the authorities when their actions are considered illegal or seditious. As mentioned before in these pages, radio producer, journalist and contributor to Farm Radio Weekly, Zenzele Ndebele, was imprisoned and is now on trial for “possession of smuggled radios.” FRW highlighted his case in issue #238, and you can find that story here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/11/zimbabwean-farm-radio-weekly-freelance-writer-charged-with-%E2%80%98illegal-radio-smuggling%E2%80%99/. For updates on his situation, follow Zenzele’s Twitter feed at: @zenzele

As Zimbabwe heads to the polls later this year, media analysts and journalists are concerned about increasing crackdowns on both the judiciary and the media. Read more here: http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/04/no-zimbabwe-media-reforms-just-more-intimidation/

The Reporters Without Borders website, which carries many stories about injustices committed against journalists across Africa, is available through this link: http://en.rsf.org/africa,1.html

A radio article with a statement from Rob Mahoney of the Committee to Protect Journalists (http://www.cpj.org/) is downloadable via: http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2013/02/seventy-journalists-killed-in-2012-cpj/index.html

A newsletter by the UNESCO Future Journalists Newsroom (http://www.highwayafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/FJP_UNESCO_Edtion_1.pdf) has story ideas, and is published in English and French.

The Freedom of Expression Toolkit is UNESCO’s contribution to this issue. It is written with upper high school students in mind. The Toolkit covers the major concepts and issues and is written in an easy-to-understand, conversational manner. It can be found here: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publications-and-communication-materials/publications/full-list/freedom-of-expression-toolkit/

Selections from the many websites related to World Press Freedom Day 2013 and its themes can be accessed through this link: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/world-press-freedom-day/websites/

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Cotton is a soft, fluffy fibre that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants. For more information about the plant, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton

The story in this issue talks about farmers who have chosen to grow a genetically modified variety of the plant. Farm Radio Weekly recently published Notes to broadcasters on the subject of GMOs. You can find the Notes here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/08/notes-to-broadcasters-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/.

This story from Burkina Faso, about the threat to organic cotton from neighbouring GM plants, is available in issue #152: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/04/11/burkina-faso-organic-cotton-under-threat-from-gm-cotton-by-inoussa-maiga-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-burkina-faso/

Notes to broadcasters on cotton in Burkina Faso are available in issue #163 of Farm Radio Weekly through this link: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/07/11/notes-to-broadcasters-on-cotton-in-burkina-faso/

Cotton farmers in Africa often face an uneven playing field when it comes to getting a fair price for their harvest. A November 2010 article in the UK-based Guardian newspaper (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/14/mali-cotton-farmer-fair-trade) talks about the problems that Malian farmers face with cotton prices, while US-based producers receive large subsidies from their government.

Some Malian farmers are getting a better price for their cotton through fair trade schemes: http://fairtradeblog.tumblr.com/post/45101562504/mali-cotton-farmers-fighting-for-a-fair-deal-in-an

Another article about the inequities of the global cotton trade can be found here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-19/booming-cotton-no-boon-to-farmers-in-africa-milked-by-regional-monopolies.html

This Farm Radio International script on cotton was published in Farm Radio Weekly: Developing cotton organizations in Mali: From Village Association to co-operative (FRW 62, April 2009) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/04/20/developing-cotton-organizations-in-mali-from-village-association-to-cooperative/. This story shows how change can happen when farmers’ voices are heard.

You may wish to explore this topic in a program. Are farmer protests common in your country? What issues do farmers protest about? How do farmers voice their concerns? How does government view the protests and react to farmers? Contact farmers’ groups or campaigning/advocacy organizations and ask about issues, methods and successes as well as failures.

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People grow vegetables for many reasons. Farm Radio Weekly has published stories of farmers across Africa who grow vegetables to improve family nutrition: (http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/04/15/burkina-faso-mothers-learn-to-feed-their-children-better-by-growing-their-own-vegetables-by-inoussa-maiga-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-burkina-faso/ ) ; to improve profits: (http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/01/30/tanzania-farmers%E2%80%99-group-profits-by-expanding-vegetable-production-allafrica/ ); or simply because they see no reason  to stop farming (http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/south-africa-age-no-challenge-to-productive-woman-by-thuso-khumalo-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-south-africa/ ).

There are many things to consider when growing vegetables for profit. This Notes to broadcasters from January 2012 (issue 187) provides links to scripts on how farmers are embracing new techniques to identify and supply their markets: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/01/30/notes-to-broadcasters-on-zanzibari-vegetable-farmers/

A story from February 2012 (issue 188) shows how radio programs can encourage farmers to improve their production and make money from selling their wares: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/02/13/malawi-listening-to-the-radio-perfects-goodson-chisaleka%E2%80%99s-vegetable-farming-skills-by-norman-fulatira-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-malawi/

The World Vegetable Centre, or AVRDC, has produced several online guides on how to grow different kinds of vegetables (http://avrdc.org/?page_id=2315 ). The guides cover field practices, major pests and diseases, and even post-harvest handling of produce and seeds. There is also a section on integrated pest management. Why not base a program, or series of programs, on one or more of these crop guides? It will definitely be of interest to your listeners.

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Natural disasters include floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other events not caused directly by humankind. A natural disaster can result in loss of life and property damage, and typically leaves some economic damage in its wake. The severity of damage depends in part on the affected population’s resilience, or ability to recover. Read more on the subject here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disaster

The increase in frequency and severity of some natural disasters, including flooding and low-pressure wind systems (hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons and tornados) has been linked to global climate change. April 22 is Earth Day, and event organizers are highlighting “The Face of Climate Change” as this year’s theme. You can find more information on events around the world through this link: http://www.earthday.org/

The story on which this News brief was based can be found here: http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97805/Consecutive-catastrophes-hit-Madagascar-s-farmers

Farm Radio Weekly has covered natural disasters before. This story from issue #41 (October 2008) talks about the floods which affected farmers in Mozambique that year. Read it at: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/10/27/3-mozambique-preparing-for-natural-disasters-un-integrated-regional-information-networks/

The Notes to broadcasters from issue #216 (September 2012) offer ideas for radio stations which broadcast to regions where disasters are prevalent. The Notes suggest the kinds of roles stations can play to reduce the impact of future storms, floods and plagues on their listening communities: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/09/10/notes-to-broadcasters-on-natural-disasters/

Keeping listeners abreast of the weather is an important function of any radio station. A recent story from Cameroon can found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/02/11/cameroon-community-radio-helps-farmers-and-fishers-cope-with-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-alertnet/ along with Notes to broadcasters: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/02/11/notes-to-broadcasters-on-climate-and-weather-programs/

Natural disasters affect most of the African continent. Statistics on climate change and its effect on disasters in Africa can be found here: http://www.grida.no/publications/vg/africa/

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-Sunflowers were originally brought to Africa, via Europe, from their native area in the Americas. The plants produce seeds which are used as cooking ingredients, animal feeds and as a source of fibre for paper. But sunflowers seeds are particularly valuable for the oil they produce when crushed.

Mr. Odongo George found that he had to change crops in order to make a profit. This is not an uncommon situation. In issue #240, FRW highlighted the story of Mr. Timothy Mutobera, who chose to grow rice rather than the maize his family was used to eating. You can find the story here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/kenya-upland-rice-gives-hope-to-small-scale-maize-farmers-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kenya/

Other farmers have discovered that the crops they were growing were not suitable, and have switched to crops which do better in their climate and conditions. Read about it here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/11/09/3-africa-re-discovery-of-traditional-crops-helps-farmers-cope-with-climate-change-farm-radio-weekly/

A story from Farm Radio Weekly issue #45, November 2008, tells of a women’s initiative in Uganda that successfully marketed organic sunflower oil. It can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/11/24/uganda-women-farmers-drive-the-economy-with-sunflower-oil-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kampala-uganda/ and the Notes to broadcasters are available here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/11/24/notes-to-broadcasters-on-sunflower-oil/

In this week’s story, Mr. Odongo also experimented with intercropping and started growing food for his own table. For more information on intercropping, and stories published by Farm Radio Weekly on the subject, read the Notes to broadcaster here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/01/14/notes-to-broadcasters-on-intercropping-pigeon-peas/

Intercropping is a relatively easy, low-input, and low-cost technique that can improve soils, increase productivity, enhance on-farm and dietary diversity, and boost income. Certain kinds of 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 Ministry of Agriculture, as well as a farmer who has experience with intercropping, to air an informative, discussion-based radio show.

What crops do your listeners grow? Do they grow these out of tradition, or have they decided to grow something new because of a market opportunity? Where does your listening community get its information about what, or what not, to grow?

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The women featured in our story from Burkina Faso are learning to augment their diets with foods they can grow at home at little or no cost. The benefits they gain from eating a more balanced diet are also passed on to their infants in the form of breast milk.

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 adults 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 includin calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C and D. They are therefore more susceptible to malnutrition. So avoiding malnutrition is not jut 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 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/

As part of the United States Agency for International Development’s Infant and Young Child Nutrition Project, the Zambia Ministry of Health and partners developed a 13-part radio series called “Bushes That Grow Are the Future Forest.” The aim of the series was to improve infant and young child nutrition practices. Follow this link to find more information and links to scripts and radio spots: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/02/27/radio-series-on-infant-nutrition-in-zambia/

Farm Radio International is also working to improve maternal, newborn and child health in Burkina Faso. Follow this link to find out more: http://www.farmradio.org/portfolio/improving-maternal-newborn-and-child-health-in-burkina-faso/

Poor nutrition and hunger are all too common in sub-Saharan Africa, 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 men farmers what they understand by malnutrition, and try to identify and clarify any misconceptions. Interview health experts or representatives from  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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This story takes a different perspective than the usual stories about land grabs. Often, land is appropriated by large corporations to grow commercial crops on a large scale, or for mineral prospecting. In this case, we have a situation where traditional pastoralists will be excluded from their grazing lands to promote conservation efforts. Thus, it has been called a “green grab.”

To complicate the issue, the involvement of a foreign tourism and hunting company has raised concerns that government authorities are more concerned about income from foreign investment than land conservation or the rights and livelihoods of local people.

Elirehema Saakai, a Maasai elder from Ngorongoro, was quoted as saying: “…  The contract was renewed, allowing this Arab man to stay for many more years. Other local leaders say that when they tried to question the government about this, the government said that it’s because they collect a lot of tax from him … they have extended the exclusion area for Maasai so the Arab man can own the areas where the Maasai are living. The Arab man is running a hunting company, and also transports the wild animals to Arab countries.”

For more background on this story, please go to the following webpages: http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97786/Balancing-conservation-and-people-s-access-to-land ; http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130405/af-tanzania-maasai-land/?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=green ; and  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/30/maasai-game-hunting-tanzania

African farmers would feel more secure if they knew that the land they live on and work could not be taken away from them. Yet this is just a dream for many. Farmers without a and titles face many forms of insecurity. Many are reluctant to invest time and effort on improving their farm, particularly on long-term projects such as tree planting or actions to control soil erosion. Many believe that secure access to land is the biggest challenge faced by Africa’s small-scale farmers. In May 2012, a UN committee endorsed voluntary guidelines on land investment (http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/nr/land_tenure/pdf/VG_en_Final_March_2012.pdf). Many international organizations welcomed the guidelines as a step in the right direction.

Here are some key websites where you can find out more about current issues and news related to land:

- http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/land-rights-issue − The Oakland Institute is an independent policy think tank, researching and promoting debate on key environmental, social and economic issues. It has done extensive research on the purchase and lease of land from developing countries by wealthier nations and international private investors. The Institute aims to increase transparency about land deals. They document impacts on farmers, and the long-term impact on development in several African countries.

- http://farmlandgrab.org − This website gathers news reports in various languages about “land grabs,” which they define as “the global rush to buy up or lease farmlands abroad as a strategy to secure basic food supplies or simply for profit.” It is a comprehensive resource for social activists, non-governmental organizations and journalists. It is updated daily. You can subscribe by weekly email or through an RSS feed.

-http://www.landcoalition.org/ − The international Land Coalition is an alliance of organizations that work together to promote secure and equitable access to and control over land for poor women and men. On this site, you can find news from Africa, background documents on land, and links to many related websites.

- http://landportal.info/ − This is an online community for people interested in land governance issues. You can join, access information, and interact with other users.

Listen to a recent BBC World Service debate entitled: “Is land grabbing good for Africa?” In the debate, farmers and other speakers discuss the potential benefits and disadvantages of large-scale land leases by international companies in Africa, including a recent case in Sierra Leone:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p5qrb

Many international NGOs campaign on the issue of land. In September 2011, Oxfam released a report examining land investments, with case studies from Uganda and Sudan: http://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/publications/land-and-power-the-growing-scandal-surrounding-the-new-wave-of-investments-in-l-142858

Since the Oxfam report was released, the United Nations has finalized and proposed a set of voluntary guidelines on land governance. See this report: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/mar/14/negotiators-consensus-global-land-governance-guidelines

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization published a comprehensive review of land investment issues in 2012, with case studies from six African countries: http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/est/INTERNATIONAL-TRADE/FDIs/Trends_publication_12_November_2012.pdf

-Benin: Small-scale farmers denounce land acquisitions (FRW 203, June 2012)
http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/06/04/benin-small-scale-farmers-denounce-land-acquisitions-by-mikaila-issa-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-benin/
-Congo-Brazzaville: Farmers ousted by urban development seek new land (FRW 222, October 202)
http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/10/29/congo-brazzaville-farmers-ousted-by-urban-development-seek-new-land-by-privat-tiburce-martin-massanga-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-congo-brazzaville/

In April 2012, Farm Radio Weekly published a special issue on land deals, which you can revisit here:

http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/issue-197/. The accompanying Notes to broadcasters provide many links for further information: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/04/16/notes-to-broadcasters-on-land-2/.

-In November 2010, Farm Radio Weekly ran a series of stories reporting on an IDRC research program on women and access to land: (http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/09/20/farm-radio-weekly-freelancers-cover-idrc-symposium-on-women%E2%80%99s-land-rights-in-nairobi-kenya/). Browse the stories here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/11/

And in 2009, Farm Radio Weekly published a series on international land grabbing and investment. Issue 69 was the first in the series: http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/frw-issues/issue-69/.

Has the “land investment” issue reached your country or broadcast area? It is a topic of great importance to farmers. Though governments and large investors may be reluctant to talk, you could start examining land ownership issues by researching the following questions:

Are there any local or national laws which govern land ownership or inheritance?

Do these contradict or are they different from traditional or customary rules?

How do the two systems interact?

How do both systems affect women?

Is it common for farmers in your area to own land, or are they more often tenants?

How does this affect their daily lives and the decisions they make?

Try to get a variety of views and quotes from men and women farmers, government officials and local advocacy organizations.

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Since the dawn of time, humans have consciously and unconsciously improved the plants they grow for food and the animals they raise. The concept is simple: breed from plants and animals which have desirable characteristics, and produce an offspring which combines the best qualities of its parents. Selecting plants with larger seeds, stronger stems and a healthier appearance has come naturally to farmers since they first domesticated food crops. Equally, animals have been bred for qualities which the farmer requires: wool length and quality in sheep, muscle growth or udder size in cows, and strength or speed in horses.

The Austrian monk Gregor Mendel is recognized as the pioneer of genetic science. He demonstrated, through pollinating different types of peas with each other, that genetic characteristics are inherited and that new varieties can be produced that share the traits of both parents. For a more detailed description of Mendelian genetics, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Mendel and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendelian_inheritance

Hybridization is the process in agriculture of breeding new, hardy and disease-resistant crops. It involves crossing two genetically different individuals to result in a third individual with a different and often preferred set of characteristics. A full explanation can be found here: http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/hybridization.html

Farm Radio Weekly has covered variety choice several times. Two stories in this vein come from Kenya,  including last issue’s (#240) article about upland rice: (http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/24/kenya-upland-rice-gives-hope-to-small-scale-maize-farmers-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kenya/) and this one about new wheat varieties: http://www.barzaradio.com/content/kenya-farmers-optimistic-about-new-wheat-varieties-irin-0

A Notes to broadcasters on new varieties of cassava which can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/02/04/notes-to-broadcasters-on-new-cassava-varieties-2/

A script from July 2001 suggests one way of introducing, on radio, the subject of selective breeding for favourable characteristics: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-60-local-knowledge-for-local-radio/indigenous-knowledge-and-livestock-raising/

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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Fish farming, also called aquaculture, aims to raise edible fish in easily manageable areas – from small ponds to cages in the sea. Wikipedia has a good overview of the aquaculture industry at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_farming

Farm Radio Weekly has covered this subject several times before. From issue #234 comes a story about a Masaai farmer who took up fish farming after settling on land on a river bank: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/02/04/kenya-masaai-herder-turns-from-cattle-to-fish-by-sawa-pius-for-farm-radio-weekly-in-kenya/

A story in issue #34 describes attempts to rebuild the fish farming sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/08/25/3-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-a-country-that-loves-fish-rebuilds-its-fish-industry-toronto-star-world-bank/ The accompanying Notes to broadcasters can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/08/25/notes-to-broadcasters-on-rebuilding-fish-industry/

Aquaculture is a vital economic activity for youth in Séby Ponty, Senegal. You can read how their activities benefit the community, and how fish, vegetable and animal farmers compete for vital water supplies here: http://www.barzaradio.com/fr/content/senegal-youth-find-opportunities-fish-farming-ips

Fish farming has its opponents. The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has its own views on the processes involved in the aquaculture business. Their website is available at this link: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/aquafarming.aspx

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization produced a handbook with instructions on how to set up a fish farm. It was written specifically for Zambian conditions, but the broad principles are universally applicable. It can be found here: http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AC079E/AC079E00.htm

Issues related to creating dams are controversial, especially when projects are commissioned without consulting people who will lose their homes and land to the rising waters. Are any of your listening communities affected by these issues?

Fish is an excellent source of protein. But is it commonly eaten in your community? Talk with people who raise fish and ask them about their markets. Find out if there is competition amongst different kinds of farmers for water sources, and air a discussion program on which farmers and consumers can debate these issues.

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A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered by genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods, and are also widely used in scientific research, and to produce goods other than food. For a briefing on the subject, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism

The purpose of this News brief is to inspire a discussion on the subject of GMOs. For more details on the passage of the Bill in Uganda go to: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303151188.html

An article on the current situation in Kenya can be found at: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Lost-in-translation-The-Kenyan-GMO-debate-/-/434750/1658160/-/6bukxwz/-/index.html

The use of genetically modified crops in Africa is hotly debated. Opponents claim that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have not been proven to be safe, and that the long-term effects on the environment and health are unknown. Supporters believe they are a key tool to provide long-term food security.

The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project aims to develop drought-tolerant African maize using conventional breeding and genetic engineering techniques. The benefits and safety of the maize varieties will be assessed by national authorities according to their regulatory requirements. A long-term goal is to make drought-tolerant maize available royalty-free to small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

At this link you will find a useful frequently asked questions document on the WEMA initiative: http://www.aatf-africa.org/userfiles/WEMA-FAQ.pdf.

The project has appeared in local press. Here is an article in the New Vision newspaper, Uganda, in late 2009: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/756/704455.

A recent presentation by one of the project scientists can be viewed here:  http://www.ofabafrica.org/meeting_presentations/OFAB_presentaion_29Sept10.pdf

Reporters from the New Agriculturist recently interviewed Dr. Godfrey Asea, the senior maize breeder at the National Crop Resources Research Institute, Uganda. The transcript can be read here:  http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=330.

The Biosafety Clearing-House website offers a searchable database of laws and regulations on GMOs in various countries: http://bch.cbd.int/database/laws/.

GMO news, articles and information can be found here: http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/what-is-gmo/

The stories on which this News brief was based can be found here: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304020466.html and here: http://banana.aatf-africa.org/news/media/new-gm-banana-could-help-tackle-uganda%E2%80%99s-nutrition-challenges

You may wish to review the following Farm Radio Weekly stories, which highlight some milestones in the GMO debate in Africa over the past few years:

Kenya: Groups protest import of GM maize (Issue 109, May 2010)

-http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/05/03/3-kenya-farmers%E2%80%99-groups-protest-import-of-gm-maize-business-daily-daily-nation-kenya-biodiversity-coalition-food-first/

Malawi: Farmers succeed with new varieties of drought tolerant maize (Issue 128, September 2010)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/09/20/malawi-farmers-succeed-with-new-varieties-of-drought-tolerant-maize-cimmyt-scidev-net/

Kenya: Kibaki gives seal of approval on biosafety law for the production and use of genetically modified crops (Issue 56, February 2009)

-http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/02/23/2-kenya-kibaki-gives-seal-of-approval-on-biosafety-law-for-the-production-and-use-of-genetically-modified-crops-scidevnet-the-nation-africa-science-news-service/

Zimbabwe: Farmers protest imported GM produce (Issue 95, January 2010)
-http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/01/18/3-zimbabwe-farmers-protest-imported-gm-produce-radio-voice-of-the-people/

South Africa: Farmers reject GM potato (Issue 38, September 2008)
-http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/09/29/1-south-africa-farmers-reject-gm-potato-african-agriculture-iol-meridian-institute/

Benin: A cautious approach in the midst of the heated debate on GMOs (Issue 16, March 2008) http://weekly.farmradio.org/2008/03/31/1-benin-a-cautious-approach-in-the-midst-of-the-heated-debate-on-gmos-inter-press-service-allafricacom/

South Africa: GM crop problems called failure of biotechnology (Issue 63, April 2009)

http://weekly.farmradio.org/2009/04/27/1-south-africa-gm-crop-problems-called-%E2%80%98failure-of-biotechnology%E2%80%99-digital-journal-cape-times-biotech-kenya/

If you are interested in researching a story about GMOs in your area, you may wish to consider the following questions:

-What laws has your country enacted to regulate biosafety and biosecurity?
-What information about GMOs is available in your area? Who provides this information?

-How much do farmers know about GMOs? Where do they get their information?

-Would farmers consider planting genetically modified varieties of maize?

-Do farmers think GM maize is a good option in drought-prone areas? Or can they suggest other options for maintaining yields when rains are poor?
-Which NGOs, industry groups, or other organizations in your area advocate for or against GMOs?

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In Cameroon, a forest vine with the scientific name of Gnetum africanum, known locally as eru or okok, is a highly prized food, and is traded both within the region and further afield, including Europe and the US. Farmers in Cameroon are now cultivating the vine near their homesteads, thereby reducing their harvesting time and protecting the wild vines from over-exploitation.

An interview with a researcher involved in the domestication process can be found here: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=473&s=t

Despite their importance in the lives of many rural people in the Congo Basin, the economic value of NTFPs like the various species of Gnetum (including okok) was largely unknown. This hindered the monitoring, regulation and management of these and other valuable species. A recent study of NTFPs, and of their importance to rural and forest-dwelling communities around the world, can be found at this link: http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/AD39.pdf

Sometimes people are forced from their forest homes through government initiatives to conserve the flora and fauna on which they depend. A story from FRW issue #213, August 2012, describes how the Kenyan government passed a law which restricted the harvesting of forest resources from all government forests, and how people responded to their changed circumstances: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2012/08/20/kenya-displaced-forest-residents-turn-to-bamboo-farming-alertnet/

A case study of the Diabene community in southern Ghana shows how this community reacted to similar governmental pressure to protect the forests. It includes information about the types of NTFPs available to the community, and how they are used. Follow this link to find the report: http://academicjournals.org/JASD/PDF/Pdf2009/Dec/Abane.pdf

The Farming Matters magazine (issue #27.2, page 24, June 2011) has a good article about pressures on farmers and forests in Africa. It can be downloaded via: http://issuu.com/agricultures/docs/farming-matters-trees-and-farming/1

What forest products are saleable? How can your community decide how best to use the non-timber forest products available to it? An FAO document describes the process and pitfalls involved in trying to set up market information systems. It includes an example from Uganda. You can find it here: http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac692e/AC692E00.htm#TopOfPage

Processing the leaves and other parts of the okok vine into a variety of products lengthens its shelf life and adds value. Okok can be made into products such as body oils and hair pomades. Some people even distill the plant essences to make whisky! It is likely that similar plants are available to your listeners. What plants could they use to provide goods to the marketplace? What would the consumer buy? Engage your audience in a debate about how best to use − and protect − the wild plants and animals in your area.

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NERICA rice varieties were bred especially for African conditions. The newly developed materials were called “new rice for Africa,” hence NERICA. They offer higher yields, have stronger straw, and are better able to withstand disease and pest attacks. NERICA was successful partly because farmers participated in developing the new varieties from traditional rice plants.

There is a good overview of upland rice at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upland_rice and of NERICA in particular at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Rice_for_Africa

The participatory radio campaign (PRC) described in Resource Pack #95, item 11 focused on promoting NERICA rice. While the script is fictional and does not use real people’s names, it is based on actual interviews and on a real PRC conducted in Ghana. You could use this script as inspiration to research and write a script on a similar topic in your area. Or you might choose to produce this script on your station, using voice actors to represent the speakers. If so, please make sure to tell your audience at the beginning of the program that the voices are those of actors, not the people involved in the original interviews.Copied from http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-95-researching-and-producing-farmer-focused-programs/growing-new-rice-for-africa-a-participatory-radio-campaign-helps-farmers-improve-their-lives/

The script is available at: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-95-researching-and-producing-farmer-focused-programs/growing-new-rice-for-africa-a-participatory-radio-campaign-helps-farmers-improve-their-lives/

Rice is quickly replacing traditional food crops in many Africa countries as the food of choice. But the concern is that, as demand for rice grows, so will the impact on the local climate. Draining wetlands can destroy local biodiversity and have negative impacts on water management and soil quality, as well as producing greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. In Uganda, most rice is grown in the lowlands, and 70,000 hectares of wetlands have been drained for rice production.

The following script was written by FRW subscriber and correspondent Joshua Kyalimpa. One of 15 winners of the Farm Radio International-CTA scriptwriting competition “African Farmers’ Strategies for Coping with Climate Change,” his script introduces listeners to average Ugandans who love to eat rice. A researcher explains how a new upland rice variety is ensuring future rice supply while saving the wetlands.

It can be found at: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-84/new-rice-variety-for-africa-to-save-wetlands-in-uganda/

AfricaRice is one of the 15 International Agricultural Research Centers that are members of the CGIAR Consortium. The AfricaRice website contains news stories in English and French, as well as features, events and other publications, including videos. The site can be found here: http://www.warda.cgiar.org/

You could engage your listeners with programs which debate the need for Africans to change their diets and eating habits. Climates are changing, pests and diseases are making traditional crops more expensive to grow, and land pressure around rapidly growing urban areas has reduced the land available to poorer families to grow their staples. In one of our stories this week, farmer Nickson Anekea says, “This rice is good. We are so much used to eating ugali, but we should change our attitude.”

What do your listeners think? Are the old ways the best ways? Or should people embrace new foods and new cooking practices? As an example, the traditional way to cook matooke (plantains) in Uganda and Rwanda is to wrap the peeled bananas in leaves and then steam for two to three hours. However, a similar result can be achieved by boiling cut bananas for half an hour in water, and then crushing them with a potato masher. This saves both time and fuel, but does it taste the same? Would Grandma approve?

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Many Africans consider themselves to be farmers, even though they have other jobs. One such African was the renowned Malian musician, Ali Farka Toure, who always considered himself a farmer first and a musician second http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=9713.

The story about Mrs. Mazibuko touches on one of the important aspects of ageing: choosing the right enterprise for your abilities.

This story from the Kenyan Daily Nation newspaper tells how Mr. Lawrence Njugun went into dairying while working as a teacher, and continued after retirement: http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/money/How-half-an-acre-of-land-has-changed-a-farmers-fortunes-/-/435440/1397932/-/37qxv9z/-/index.html

Retired Captain Juma Seiko, from Uganda, still works on his farm. His story can be found here: http://allafrica.com/stories/201108110895.html

The story about Mrs. Mazibuko shows that farmers often have to switch enterprises before they discover what is most suitable for them. Farm Radio Weekly produced Notes to broadcasters on the subject of switching enterprises in issue #238. The Notes contain links to stories about farmers’ choices, and can be found here: http://weekly.farmradio.org/2013/03/11/notes-to-broadcasters-on-switching-crops/

Often, older farmers are a great source of knowledge about crops, animals and weather patterns. As a program idea, you could broadcast a series of interviews with older members of your communities. Interviewers could ask elderly farmers to describe how the farming situation has changed over time, and how they have adjusted to getting older. Elderly farmers may not have the physical strength to do the hard manual work that they used to, but it is worth remembering that the elder members of any community are often the wisest, and their memories and experiences can enrich the lives of those who take the time to listen.

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