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2023
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9, Emoo FM, and Nyota FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: Kikuyu
Production Year: 2023
Programme 1: Access to extension services and information by smallholder farmers
Access to extension services and information is vital for smallholder farmers, who face challenges such as limited access to trained experts, lack of resources, and geographical isolation. To improve access, investing in training and deploying more extension officers, leveraging technology like mobile apps and SMS services, and fostering collaborations between government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations are essential. Additionally, including agricultural topics in the school curriculum and prioritizing inclusivity for marginalized groups and remote communities can ensure that valuable knowledge and practices are accessible to all. Extension services play a pivotal role in assisting farmers in adopting new technologies and practices, ultimately contributing to improved yields and food security.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 2: Effects of climate change on smallholder farmers and how they can adapt and mitigate against
Climate change has brought about significant environmental, social, and economic impacts, affecting smallholder farmers in Kenya and beyond. These effects include altered weather patterns, prolonged droughts, crop failure, increased pests and diseases, livestock deaths, and economic instability. To adapt and mitigate these challenges, small-scale farmers can engage in agroforestry practices, tree planting, drought-resistant crop cultivation, soil conservation, organic farming, and landscape restoration. Organizations like the Farm Forestry Smallholder Producers Association of Kenya (FFSPAK) offer support, training, and financial assistance to registered groups of farmers. Access to climate funding requires group participation and adherence to specific criteria, promoting community resilience to climate change. Through collective efforts, communities can effectively address the impacts of climate change and work towards a sustainable future.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9, Emoo FM, and Nyota FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK and Tree Growers Association of Nyandarua
Production Language: Kikuyu
Production Year: 2023
Programme 3: Democracy and inclusion in farmer organizations
In the engaging dialogue with Pastor Benjamin Karanja, Chairman of the Tree Growers Association of Nyandarua, the importance of democracy and inclusion in farmer organizations becomes evident. Pastor Karanja's organization, TGAN, exemplifies these principles by involving farmers at the grassroots level in decision-making processes and ensuring the representation of diverse groups, including youth, women, and people with disabilities. Democracy and inclusion in farmer organizations empower small-scale farmers to collectively address their needs and challenges, enabling them to cultivate and nurture trees effectively. This dialogue showcases how these principles play a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of farmer organizations, emphasizing the importance of incorporating them into agricultural initiatives.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9, Emoo FM, and Nyota FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK and Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association
Production Language: Kalenjin
Production Year: 2023
Programme 4: Farmer organization and climate actions
In this enlightening dialogue with Joseph Arap Towet, Chairperson of the Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association, the critical connection between farmer organizations and climate action is underscored. Mr. Towet discusses how climate change has affected smallholder farmers, emphasizing the unpredictability of rainfall patterns and its impact on crop yields. He also highlights the decline in crop diversity, the rise in pests and diseases, and the degradation of ecosystems due to deforestation. Farmer organizations, like the Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association, play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. They promote tree planting, agroforestry, and sustainable farming practices, empowering farmers to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The dialogue emphasizes the need for unity among farmers, the importance of farmer groups in accessing support, and the potential for tree nurseries as a viable business opportunity. Overall, it illustrates how farmer organizations are instrumental in climate resilience and the restoration of the environment.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK and Western Tree Planters Association
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 5: Farmer organizations and their benefits to farmers
The dialogue with Boaz Kiboi, Chairperson of the Western Tree Planters Association (WETPA) and WETPA SACCO, sheds light on the significant benefits that farmer organizations bring to their members. WETPA, operating since 2012, focuses on tree planting for both business and environmental conservation. The organization's objectives encompass economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and addressing climate change. WETPA's success is attributed to its strategy of mobilizing individual farmers into registered groups, allowing them to pool resources and leverage collective bargaining power. By uniting under associations like WETPA, farmers can access support, speak with one strong voice, and lobby for policy changes effectively. Additionally, WETPA's SACCO provides financial services, ensuring members can save and access affordable loans. The dialogue underscores the advantages of farmers joining such organizations, emphasizing access to markets, higher bargaining power, and support for sustainable farming practices. WETPA's valued partners, including FAO, FFSPAK, and various government agencies, have played a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission. Overall, the dialogue highlights how farmer organizations like WETPA are pivotal in enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9, Emoo FM, and Nyota FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK and Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association
Production Language: Kalenjin
Production Year: 2023
Programme 6: Importance of Farmers Working in Organized Groups
In this insightful dialogue with Joseph Arap Towet, Chairperson of CHEACOFA (Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association), the importance of farmers working in organized groups is emphasized. Mr. Towet highlights that organized groups, whether they are community forest associations or other farmer groups, receive support from organizations like FFSPAK and FAO, enabling them to address issues such as poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and climate change more effectively. He explains that government extension services primarily focus on organized groups, offering demand-driven training and assistance. Furthermore, Mr. Towet underscores the benefits of unity, collective resources, and shared knowledge that come with group membership. The dialogue also addresses listeners' questions and highlights the need for farmers to register groups, open bank accounts, and collaborate to access support and improve their welfare. Joseph Arap Towet's contact information is shared, allowing listeners to seek further guidance on forming groups and avocado farming.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 7: Maximizing Returns from your Avocado trees
In this informative dialogue, the focus is on maximizing returns from avocado trees, and the interviewee provides valuable insights. The interviewee emphasizes that farmers often struggle with fluctuating avocado prices and high production costs, highlighting the need for proper training in avocado farming. To obtain better prices, farmers are encouraged to form groups, market themselves through various channels such as social media and pack houses, and negotiate for better prices through economies of scale. Avoiding post-harvest losses is another challenge, which can be mitigated by proper harvesting techniques, cold storage infrastructure, road improvement, and harvesting at the right maturity. Technology plays a significant role in increasing income in the avocado value chain, aiding in information transfer, drought preparation, pest control, and marketing. Certification standards like Global GAP and adherence to buyers' guidelines are essential for enhancing avocado quality and accessing specific markets. Farmers are advised to practice good agricultural techniques, form marketing groups, and consider value-added products like avocado oil. Government incentives, research, and subsidies are available to support avocado farmers, and blockchain technology can help trace products in the value chain. Challenges include diseases, price fluctuations, and climate change, while opportunities lie in joining organizations and groups dedicated to avocado farming. The dialogue underscores the importance of knowledge and cooperation in optimizing avocado returns.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK and Lariak CFA
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 8: Role of Youths in Farmer Groups
In this enlightening discussion on the role of youths in farmer groups, Samuel Nderitu, a representative from Lariak CFA, emphasizes the tremendous value that young farmers bring to these agricultural collectives. Young farmers, equipped with their tech-savvy skills, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm for embracing innovative farming techniques, play a pivotal role in driving positive change and contributing to the success of farmer groups. Nderitu highlights the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and creating an inclusive environment that fosters diversity and recognizes the unique strengths of each member.
Furthermore, the interviewee underscores the need for farmer groups to actively engage with educational institutions and leverage technology to empower young farmers. Collaborations between these groups and academic institutions can facilitate internships, agricultural workshops, and practical learning experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Technology, particularly the internet and social media, can enable young farmers to access information, connect with potential buyers, and expand their market reach, ensuring the long-term sustainability of youth involvement in farmer groups. Lastly, Nderitu suggests that government policies and programs should incentivize and prioritize youth engagement in agriculture, further strengthening the role of young farmers in shaping the future of farming collectives and the agricultural sector as a whole.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 9: Indigenous knowledge in conservation and climate change
In this insightful conversation about the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation and climate change adaptation, Zipporah Matumbi eloquently describes how indigenous knowledge encompasses the collective wisdom, skills, and traditions of local communities. These time-tested practices have evolved over generations through close interactions with the natural environment. Indigenous knowledge offers profound insights into sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and climate resilience, making it an invaluable asset in the face of environmental challenges.
Matumbi highlights numerous examples of indigenous knowledge in action across various Kenyan communities, including controlled burning, rain-making traditions, and resource conservation techniques. These practices have been effective in biodiversity preservation, resource stewardship, and food security. Moreover, indigenous knowledge complements scientific approaches, offering a holistic understanding of ecosystems, natural resources, and cultural heritage. By recognizing the importance of indigenous knowledge and integrating it into policies and practices, farmers in Kenya can learn valuable lessons for sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and organic farming, ultimately enhancing food production and fostering environmental stewardship.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2023
Programme 10: Carbon Credits
In this illuminating discussion about carbon credits, the interviewee, Zipporah Matumbi, provides a comprehensive overview of this critical concept. Carbon credits, which originated from the Paris Climate Summit in 2015, are permits that allow companies and organizations to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to their operations. They serve as a financial incentive for reducing GHG emissions and promoting carbon sequestration, ultimately contributing to the fight against climate change. Matumbi emphasizes that carbon credits are not limited to industrial companies alone; they are also relevant to agricultural sectors, such as flower farms and small-scale farmers, who can benefit by sequestering carbon through practices like regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. By participating in carbon credit markets, these entities can earn income while mitigating their environmental impact, creating a win-win situation.
The interview delves into the different types of carbon markets: the compliance market and the voluntary market. Compliance markets are driven by regulatory requirements, where companies buy carbon offsets to meet emissions restrictions. In contrast, voluntary markets are driven by participants' voluntary efforts to reduce emissions, contributing to sustainability goals and climate change mitigation. The discussion underscores the importance of both types of markets working in synergy to achieve the shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The interview also touches upon the challenges faced by carbon markets, such as the need for credibility, transparency, and social and environmental safeguards. Matumbi's insights shed light on the complex and evolving world of carbon credits, offering valuable information on how individuals, businesses, and industries can combat climate change through these market mechanisms.
2022
Radio Stations - Ruben FM and Koch FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Programme 1: Drought and Climate Change
Production year: 2022
Production Languages: Kiswahili and Sheng
In recent decades, extreme weather events have increased in frequency, intensity and magnitude, threatening and increasing the vulnerability of rural livelihoods, particularly in the drier parts of the country. Some of Kenya’s most experienced climate events are drought, crop diseases and floods. Livelihood aspects greatly impacted by climate change events include food shortages, increased food prices, decreased water availability and uncertainties for long-term investments like planting trees. Women and youth are disproportionately affected by CC due to the nature of their gender roles and limited access to resources.
Climate change is impacting agriculture and forestry in Kenya, and in the future, the problem is likely to get worse. According to scientists at the World Agroforestry Centre, on-farm forestry, or the intentional use of trees in the cropping system, has proven effective in mitigating and adapting to climate risks. Communities also have indigenous climate change knowledge that has been passed through generations. This demonstrates that while smallholder farmers stand to suffer the most from climate change, they also hold great potential to help address this problem.
Programme 2: Financial Inclusion
Production year: 2022
Production Languages: Kiswahili and Sheng
Access to rural financial services has the potential to make a difference in agricultural productivity, food security and poverty reduction. However, an efficient, sustainable and widely accessible rural financial system remains a major development challenge even in Kenya. From late 1990 to the 2000s, it was mainly mainstream commercial banks that operated and a large majority of Kenyans, especially smallholder rural dwellers, had zero access to these. While the situation has changed and many financial institutions and services have come up, most Kenyans, especially rural women and youth, have challenges accessing financial services. FFSPAK Promotes Village Savings and loaning Associations and Microinsurance among farmers as these are affordable, accessible and socially beneficial means of ensuring that farmers can save, borrow and invest in their families and enterprises. Women have embraced this model, clearly demonstrating the need for affordable, accessible and relatable financial services. Capacity building in financial management is also important to ensure money earned, saved or borrowed is put to good use.
Programme 3: Collective marketing and benefits of Cooperatives
Production year: 2022
Production Languages: Kiswahili and Sheng
An agricultural cooperative is a formal form of farmer collective action for the purpose of marketing and processing farm products and or for the purchase and production of farm inputs. The main aim of establishing a cooperative is to increase members’ production and incomes by helping better link them with finance, agricultural inputs, information, and output markets. Collective action is the core resource of agricultural cooperatives.
Cooperatives create social relations that enable individuals to achieve goals that they may not otherwise be able to achieve by themselves. For example, cooperatives can help farmers benefit from economies of scale by lowering their costs of acquiring inputs or hiring services such as storage and transport. Agricultural cooperatives also enable farmers to improve product and service quality and reduce risks.
FSPAK has promoted cooperatives, with 7 Forest based Cooperatives established in the last 8 years. These cooperatives have changed how farmers interact with other players in the value chain. To survive in the free Market economy, smallholder farmers can only look to collective action.
Programme 4: Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management (SALM)
Production year: 2022
Production Languages: Kiswahili and Sheng
Terr Africa (2005) defines SLM as “the adoption of land-use systems that through appropriate management practices enable land users to maximize the economic and social benefits from the land while maintaining or enhancing the ecological support functions of the land resources”. The interaction between land resources, climate and human activities determines the productivity and sustainability of a land-use system. Especially in the face of climate change and variability, selecting the right land uses for given biophysical and socio-economic conditions and implementing SLM are essential for minimizing land degradation, rehabilitating degraded land, ensuring the sustainable use of land resources (i.e. soils, water and biodiversity) and maximizing resilience.
FFSPAK has been promoting SALM for the past 10 years with demonstrable benefits to its members. SALM is especially important for farmers affected or likely to be affected by climate change.
2021
Radio Station: Koch FM and Ruben FM
Production Language: Swahili
Production Year: 2021
Programme Title: The importance of family farming to food security
The radio magazine production focused on educating the audiences on the definition of family farming. The importance of family farming to the families at the community level. Also, looking at how family farming is contributing to food security and the growth of the economy in Kenya. Yet another key issue discussed is mitigating challenges that come with family farming e.g. family wrangles, land disputes etc. Then lastly, look at laws and policies safeguarding family farming e.g. gender equality, financial literacy, land ownership etc. The production includes Vox pops from the community on how they understand family farming. It also features interviewing a family farmer on her experience as a family farmer.
The invited guests of the programme were Njeri Kinuthia – Agriculture Extension Officer Bio vision ; Hudson Shiraku – Agriculture Extension Officer Bio vision; Musa Juma – Head of Ruben Centre Urban Farming Project; and George Njoroge – Extension Officer and Project Coordinator Kansoul Farm.
