In Jinja city, Uganda, radio journalist Faridah Namulondo has found herself transformed not only as a broadcaster but also as a farmer. At 37, Mrs. Namulondo serves as deputy news editor and station news reporter at NBS Kodheyo FM (89.4 FM). With a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kampala University, she has long been dedicated to sharing useful information with her community. But her involvement in the Platform
Family farming is at the heart of sustainable food systems, yet its full potential can only be realized when farmers have the means to access, share, and co-create knowledge. Rural Communication Services (RCS) are a key dimension of this process: they provide family farmers with timely, relevant, and accessible information while creating platforms for dialogue and collective action. By enabling innovation, inclusion, and resilience, RCS are increasingly recognized as essential
When Amule Daniel steps into the studio at Radio Pacis in Arua City, Uganda, his voice carries across borders. His programs reach farmers in West Nile, northern Uganda, and even into parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. As Assistant Program Manager and producer of Otita Agrikica Ni (“Farmers Talk”), Mr. Daniel blends practical farming advice with local success stories to bring knowledge to life for rural communities. Radio
For more than 10 years, Victor Asumani has been on air at Umunthu FM, a partner radio station to Farm Radio International in Malawi. He says he was inspired to join radio “in order to serve communities, especially in the matter of community development like agriculture and health.” Mr. Asumani produces and hosts agricultural and environmental programs, aiming to bring practical information to farmers. His work has had a noticeable
In Taita Taveta County, Kenya, many community members rely on borrowing to meet their daily needs. But with limited financial education, this often leads to overwhelming debt and a lack of understanding about how to manage it. At Mwanedu FM, a community radio station in the region, broadcaster Jackson Kilonzo is working to change that. Mr. Kilonzo hosts Msepetuko wa Jioni, an evening drive-time program that typically focuses on family issues.
Brian Augustus Kanyenda’s career in radio broadcasting is driven by a passion for social change and the belief in radio’s power to amplify marginalized voices. Inspired by broadcasters from a young age, Mr. Kanyenda was motivated to use his platform to advocate for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Over time, he has refined his skills in radio programming, content creation, and community engagement, always aiming to spark conversations and
In Tanzania’s Manyara Region, garlic farmers are proving that simple, well-timed post-harvest practices can make all the difference between profit and loss, with support from the MVIWAMA (Mtandao wa Vikundi vya Wakulima na Wafugaji wa Mkoa wa Manyara) and broadcast in Swahili on Habari Njema Radio 87.5 FM, this radio programme is part of the YenKasa Africa Radio Initiative, dedicated to amplifying rural voices and sharing practical farming solutions. This
In Zimbabwe, David Bakasa is transforming radio engagement by blending traditional broadcasting with digital platforms like Facebook Live, WhatsApp, and podcasts. Mr. Bakasa is the radio programming manager at ZimGospel Masters Radio, where he is committed to making radio more interactive and inclusive, connecting with audiences both locally and globally through dynamic online conversations and listener participation. Mr. Bakasa’s radio journey began in 2017 when he volunteered as a journalist
When Atuhura Charity was a young girl in Bujenje County, Masindi District, she would sit beside her mother’s radio, listening intently to the weekend dramas and educational programs aired on Bunyoro Broadcasting Services (BBS FM). Today, she works at that very station—BBS 98.2FM in Western Uganda—as a Runyoro-language news anchor, talk show host, reporter, and co-host of the farmers’ program Liima Yorora Lisa Ogaigahale. Ms. Charity joined the media industry in
The United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) recognizes communication as a crucial driver in transforming agrifood systems, empowering family farmers through inclusive Rural Communication Services (RCS). Over the past five years, FAO-supported regional initiatives – ComDev Asia, YenKasa Africa, and Onda Rural – have worked to mainstream RCS into family farming policies, fostering participatory knowledge sharing and innovation. This report presents key insights from the 2024 technical seminar held
