KENYA: SUCCESS STORY ON COCONUT

By Ondogo Wandagoa

Transmission of farmer voice programs has registered some success in Pwani FM after the station got a two month sponsorship on its vernacular sessions following audience response to farming tips. The vernacular session “dobe dobeza” got sponsorship in May  2010 after Mr. salim chiro, one of the vernacular hosts together with  FVR program producers started airing tips on coconut farming after attending a radio extension officers training in February. The station got overwhelming response from a number of listeners who were keen to know more about coconut farming after having listened to the first phase of transmission of Agricultural tips on Pwani FM.

 The main issues that the audience asked about included: better methods of planting, seed selection,  pest control, harvesting, marketing of coconut products and value addition. Farmers who listened to the Mijikenda show  asked a wide range of questions seeking to learn more about coconut farming and how they could increase production. With this realization the program host who had been trained by Farmer Voice Radio used this opportunity to approach the coconut development authority for expert information.

Salim says the desire to seek expert answers on coconut issues that farmers were asking him directly on air motivated him to approach the Kenya coconut development authority (KCDA) who are experts in coconut farming, for sponsorship of a special segment that would deal with coconut issues during his vernacular shows. The authority offered to sponsor the vernacular segment which runs for 2 hours, for a period of two months. During this time,  KCDA brought in experts for a live interview and call in sessions from Monday to Friday. Although the sponsorship ended in August 2010, KCDA has expressed interest in sponsoring  other session  later this financial year. The organization is also in process of getting funds to facilitate Pwani FM producers on a tour of all coconut growing areas to sensitize farmers to increase coconut farming.

This goes to show that Farmer voice radio programs and ideas, if well produced can increase station listenership and attract sponsorship for the station. Farmers in coast province need information even on things that producers might take for granted.
Collaboration with farmers’ organizations and firms/organizations that deal with farmers can enhance station content.

THE FVR RICE PLOT IN NKHOTAKOTA (MALAWI)

Mrs. Betcheles’ rice field with two plots, one using old broadcasting method and the other in drills adopted through Liwu La Mlimi

Many rice growing smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota are used to applying traditional methods of growing rice such as broadcasting. The coming of Liwu La Mlimi on Nkhotakota Community Radio has changed the mindset of many such farmers. They have started adopting better methods of growing rice to increase production and the quality of the crop. One such smallholder farmers  is Mrs. Mwenefeziya Betchele of Njumbula Radio Listening club.  Betchele is extremely appreciative of FVR Liu La Mlimi radio program on Nkhotakota Community radio for the knowledge and expertise she has acquired in rice production.  Before FVR, Betchele recalls that she knew nothing about growing rice in drills which creates good plant spacing, timely sowing and transplanting, timely weeding and fertilizer application as explained on Liwu La Mlimi FVR programs she listened to and practiced.

In an interview with broadcasters Betchele assured FVR team that this growing season with adequate rainfall she is optimistic of a bumper harvest of rice crop from “The FVR plot “,as she calls it, “for a wealthier year for her family”,  she mused.