Podcasts can inform poor farmers |
25-Jan-10 |
Podcasts are helping people progress from subsistence farming in Zimbabwe, says Practical Action researcher Lawrence Gudza. People in developing countries often lack information that could transform their economic circumstances. Those in remote parts of Africa, in particular, could benefit from knowledge that would help them move up from subsistence farming to become successful, commercial smallholders. To do this, they need better, up-to-date information on agricultural production and management, such as how to identify, treat and control livestock diseases and how best to harvest, store and market their crops. Some African countries, such as Zimbabwe, try to provide this information with agricultural extension services. But these are often under-resourced, uncoordinated and unsustainable. Subsistence farmers rarely receive information when and where they need it, or in a format and language that they understand. Sharing knowledge We must look at new channels for disseminating information in countries that have limited road networks and poor communication infrastructure. Many communities have no Internet access, do not receive radio or television signals, and frequently lack even basic electricity. Methods must be both easy to use and affordable — and they must allow communities to identify their own information needs and share the wealth of indigenous knowledge they possess. Radio is widely used as the main communication medium for poor regions and has long-reached many grassroots groups in Africa. But in most of the continent it is subject to restrictive regulation and it falls short as a channel for sharing knowledge on demand, because of the transient nature of broadcasts. Source: SciDev.net |
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