publication

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

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

Digital Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Publications

The FAO Regional Office for Africa is actively promoting the adoption of digital agriculture across sub-Saharan countries. This effort is supported by a guiding framework developed in partnership with Wageningen University and Research (WUR). The study conducted aimed to analyze project interventions focusing on digital agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, assess the impact of digital solutions on crop production, risk reduction, and value chain profitability, and provide recommendations for better adoption

Transforming rural Africa: Trends and experiences in rural communication services
Publications

The UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) acknowledges the importance of inclusive rural communication services (RCS) to advance economic, environmental and social dimensions of family farming. Focusing on Africa, this study examines the role of RCS in rural transformation and family farming and provides insights for the region. Through case studies and a review of media and ICT trends and policies, it highlights the need for participatory, farmer-centred communication approaches

Rural communication services for family farming in Africa: Regional consultation and forum
Publications

The Global Action Plan of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019–2028 (UNDFF) recognizes the need to promote Rural Communication Services (RCS) to advance sustainable food systems. RCS comprise demand-led communication processes, media applications and institutional arrangements to respond to the needs of family farmers and rural populations in a sustained and inclusive manner. This report summarizes the results and takeaways of online consultations and a virtual Regional Forum

Participatory video in agrifood systems and digital environments: A practitioner’s guide
Publications

Access to knowledge and information is essential to achieve sustainable agrifood systems, and such access has greatly advanced due to the widespread use of digital technologies. Nevertheless, digital exclusion and the lack of appropriate content are limiting factors, especially in rural areas, depriving smallholders of access to services and hampering their development opportunities. To mitigate this divide, farmer’s organizations and rural institutions increasingly utilize low-cost digital media to ensure equal

Rural communication services for family farming
Publications

The Global Action Plan of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019–2028 (UNDFF) recognizes the need to promote rural communication services (RCS) to advance sustainable food systems. RCS comprise demand-led communication processes, media applications and institutional arrangements to respond to the needs of family farmers and rural populations sustainably and inclusively. This report presents a comprehensive summary of the virtual UNDFF Global Forum on Inclusive Rural Communication Services for

A learning framework for inclusive, integrated and innovative public policy cycles for family farming
Family Farming

Public policies for family farming – when done appropriately – provide a perfect match between different policy areas related to productive, economic, social, environmental and cultural dimensions of sustainable food systems. The Learning framework for inclusive, integrated and innovative public policy cycles for family farming was developed under the framework of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (2019–2028) to support policymakers, family farmers’ organizations and other relevant stakeholders to

How radio stations can prepare a funding proposal to submit to a donor
Publications

Funding is a major issue for many radio stations, and thus for rural communication services as a whole. Farm Radio International has developed many Broadcaster how-to guides to give radio broadcasters tips on different skills that will improve the quality of their broadcasting. Our most recent Broadcaster how-to guide addresses how station management can prepare a funding proposal for a donor – because good finance leads to sustainability, which is

State of the Digital Agriculture Sector: Harnessing the Potential of Digital for Impact Across Agricultural Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa
Publications

The digitalization of agriculture, often referred to as ‘D4Ag,’ is a rapidly evolving sector in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). This transformation has the potential to reshape global development outcomes by significantly improving environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and food security. In this article, we delve into the key findings and unique aspects of a groundbreaking report that sheds light on the state of the D4Ag ecosystem in LMICs.

Youth radio programming: A broadcaster how-to guide
Publications

Based on recent research from many parts of the world, the content of more than 70% of radio broadcasting caters to adults. In Africa, the percentage is higher. In a recent study in Nigeria, for example, researchers found that content for youth (defined by the United Nations as 15-24 years old) accounted for a mere 1.4% of airtime. As the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization encourages, radio stations