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2023
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: English
Production Year: 2023
Programme 1: Financial Inclusion in Farmer Organizations
This discussion highlights the significance of financial inclusion within farmers' organizations, specifically through the utilization of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). Financial inclusion is depicted as a critical means for small-scale farmers to access essential financial services, encompassing savings, credit, loans, equity, and insurance. VSLAs are identified as informal financial mechanisms that empower community members to collaborate, pool resources, borrow funds, and provide mutual support.
Furthermore, the discussion covers the concept of microinsurance, particularly crop and livestock insurance, outlining their scope, prerequisites, and advantages. It underscores the affordability and accessibility of these insurance options for low-income farmers.
In essence, the discussion underscores the role of organizations like FFSPAK in promoting financial inclusion and bolstering the financial resilience of small-scale farmers through the facilitation of VSLAs and microinsurance. Contact information for further inquiries is made available for interested parties.
Radio Station: RFM-RADIO 99.9
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: English
Production Year: 2023
Programme 2: Women in leadership of Farmer organizations
The discussion with Janephrice Talian, Chairperson of Cheptais Community Forest Association and Secretary of Mount Elgon Ecosystem Conservation Trust, revolves around the vital topic of women's participation in leadership roles within farmer organizations. Several key insights emerge from this conversation.
Firstly, strategies to encourage women's involvement in leadership roles are highlighted. Mentorship and training are emphasized as crucial tools to help women develop the skills and confidence needed for effective leadership. Creating awareness and breaking down cultural barriers are also seen as essential steps toward fostering women's participation in leadership positions.
Secondly, the conversation underlines the unique strengths that women bring to leadership, such as their ability to understand complex issues, collaborate effectively, multitask, and adapt to diverse environments. These qualities are recognized as valuable assets in leadership positions.
Lastly, the discussion emphasizes the importance of organizational support in promoting women's leadership. Implementing policies that promote gender equality, addressing biases and discrimination, and setting diversity targets in hiring processes are essential steps to create a more inclusive environment. In conclusion, the conversation highlights the significance of empowering young girls early on, combatting gender bias, and showcasing successful female leaders as ways to encourage and sustain women's participation in leadership roles.
2022
Radio Station: Ruben FM and Koch FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: English
Production Year: 2022
Program Title: Role of FFO in Advocacy, especially within Governments and implementation of NAP
Farmer organizations play an important role in improving access to input and output markets, access and management to natural resources, improving knowledge and information, and advocating for policy change through engaged discussions in policy-making processes and reviewing legislative frameworks. Farmers in developing countries, mostly working on small-scale, family farms, have long borne the brunt of the government’s mis- and under-investment in smallholder agriculture/Forestry. Lack of access to natural resources, inappropriate policies, thin and uncompetitive markets, weak rural infrastructure, inadequate production and financial services, and a deteriorating natural resource base have created an environment in which farming has frequently been risky and unprofitable for smallholders.
Farmer organizations, especially apex/umbrella organizations, have advocacy as one of their core mandates. The influence of Policies, legislation and other aspects that affect farmers depends on how well they are organized and how recognizable/influential they are.
2021
Radio Station: Ruben FM and Koch FM
Producer Organization: FFSPAK
Production Language: English
Production Year: 2021
Programme Title: The importance of family farming
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.