Climate Change

The CNOP-Burundi: A march towards restructuring and revitalizing member agricultural cooperatives

The National Coordination of Farmers’ Organizations of Burundi (CNOP-Burundi) has taken a significant step in restructuring and revitalizing its member agricultural cooperatives. With the support of IFAD, through the implementation of the FO4ACP project by PROPAC, CNOP-Burundi has successfully welcomed more than 103 active and dynamic agricultural cooperatives operating on the ground. This marks a first in the organization’s history. These cooperatives, some of which are exemplary agricultural cooperatives in

Gender and climate-resilient agriculture: A review of concepts and practical resources in support of gender-transformative change

To advance the use of gender-transformative approaches in climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), a review of practical resources that could support researchers and practitioners in applying gender and CRA was undertaken. The review consolidates and assesses diverse, practical resources—including research tools, methods and broader guidance—that aim to address gender inequalities/inequities, climate and agriculture, albeit to varying degrees. A conceptual framework was developed to guide the review. This framework helped establish the gender

Early warning systems help small-scale farmers prepare for climate change

Climate change is making extreme weather events more intense and frequent.  Warning systems that are accurate, easy to use and provide the right climate information help limit loss of life and livelihoods. With advance warning, small-scale farmers get precious time to store produce and animals safely and to prepare for disaster. Even when some damage is unavoidable, it can make it easier to recover. Yet only half of the least-developed countries

Webinar: What sub-Saharan African communities are saying about climate change

What are rural sub-Saharan African communities saying about climate change? How can we bring their voices to influence decisions? How can you use these results to better influence and guide your own programs? That’s what we’re setting out to answer in this webinar. As part of Farm Radio International’s “On-Air for Gender-Inclusive Nature-based Solutions” project, they hosted a series of On Air Dialogues with rural people across sub-Saharan Africa, specifically

September 29: The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

In the heart of Africa, where agriculture forms the lifeblood of communities and the backbone of economies, there exists a paradox. While the continent has vast agricultural potential and is home to diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources, it faces a staggering challenge: food loss and waste. As we mark Food Loss and Waste Day 2023 with the theme “Reducing food loss and waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems“,

Digitalizing agriculture in rural Senegal

Digital tools can help offset uncertainties in weather patterns caused by climate change. In Nioro, Senegal, Mamadou Drame, a father of four children, now looks down at a screen instead of up at the skies to understand the weather and know what to plant. Historical rain cycles have become increasingly unreliable because of climate change, upsetting patterns of planting and harvesting. Thankfully, digital innovations have stepped in, assisting him to

Young reporters bring the voices of COP27 to Africa’s radios (Reuters)

Siyabonga Mokoena is a 21-year-old radio host working with the Children’s Radio Foundation (CRF). He is one of half a dozen young African reporters who attended the COP27 climate summit in Egypt to produce a series of podcasts on climate change to be broadcast on 15 radio stations around the continent. Before attending the conference, Mr. Mokoena was hard at work recording the stories of people whose lives have been

Listening to rural people 2022: A Farm Radio International and IFAD initiative

Over the course of October 2022, Farm Radio International worked with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and 7 African radio stations to facilitate three “On Air Dialogues” with rural people in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso about climate change adaptation. The response was remarkable, with over 14,000 people giving over 122,000 answers to questions and leaving over 9,000 voice messages about climate change adaptation experiences and needs. These dialogues

On Air Dialogues: Amplifying rural voices

The 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit aimed to identify solutions that improve livelihoods and food security. Small-scale farmers and rural people should play an essential role in this process. They are the backbone of the global food system, experts in their fields, and experienced in finding creative solutions. That’s why, over the course of three weeks in June 2021, and in partnership with six radio stations in Burkina Faso, Ghana,

Food Security in East Africa – Beyond the Headlines

In early 2022, 12 million East Africans faced acute food insecurity, meaning that they did not even manage to eat one meal a day. By November 2022, that number has increased to 21 million people. It’s important to go beyond the headlines and statistics and remember that these are individual women, men and children who are suffering from hunger every day. That’s what Farm Radio International strove to do in our