Broadcast Training
Farmer-Scientist Collaborations – Program Ideas
Broadcasters can facilitate cooperation between farmers and scientists, and make farmers the ultimate winners.
In many areas of the world, and for many reasons, farmers lack the necessary information to improve farm activities. Governments are cutting back extension services. And when farmers do receive information about the results of agricultural research, it is not always useful or relevant to their particular circumstances. This may be because farmers themselves have not been involved in the process. Sometimes the methods designed to help farmers are unrealistic because they are too costly or rely on inaccessible resources. Or the information might be presented in a very technical way, and in an unfamiliar language.
When farmers and scientists work together, farmers get a chance to explain their problems and perspectives. Researchers can respond to problems identified by farmers, and create opportunities for new research that addresses local challenges.
Role of broadcasters
What is the role of radio in linking farmers with scientists? Radio broadcasters know how to communicate with their audience in a familiar, conversational way. In consultation with researchers, broadcasters can help transform technical research results into radio programs that are interesting and easy to understand. They can broadcast in the languages of their listeners. At the same time they perform a useful service by publicizing the work of agricultural scientists.
There are several specific ways that broadcasters can facilitate farmer-scientist communication. They can:
- Visit field and open days at research institutions. These events can provide the basis for interesting farm radio programs.
- Produce programs about local farmer-scientist collaborations.
- Through real-life stories and fictional drama, challenge the stereotypical views that farmers and scientists might have of one another.
- Involve agricultural researchers in the production of programs about their research.
- Make researchers available on air to take questions from farmers.
Linking these two groups farmers and scientists is an important part of achieving food security. Small-scale farmers and others involved in food production and processing often don¹t realize the benefits of improved technologies generated by research institutions. Sometimes this is because of limited access to resources or because the improved practices are irrelevant to local circumstances. But even when the knowledge and technologies are relevant, poor communication often limits their impact on food security and poverty reduction.
Radio broadcasters who work directly with researchers have an important role to play in the sharing of local indigenous knowledge and technologies, sometimes improved by science. And well-trained, credible radio broadcasters can empower farmers to make demands on agricultural service providers, thus ensuring that research will be focused on farmers.
Program Ideas about Farmer-Scientist Collaborations
Program Idea #1: Scientists respect farmers' wisdom
Both farmers and scientists sometimes have stereotyped views about one another that can limit contact between them. Radio can play a part in breaking down such views; it can provide a forum through which farmers and scientists exchange information and engage in dialogue. One possible approach is to produce a dramatic show or series, perhaps a comedy, that challenges these stereotypes.
See package 61, number 5:
61.5 A scientist respects farmers' wisdom
Program Idea #2: Successful farmer-scientist collaborations
If there is a research institution in your region then you have plenty of opportunities to prepare and air programs about farmer-scientist collaborations. Investigate field projects that involve farmers and aim to strengthen and improve local methods of soil and water conservation, crop production, livestock production and food processing and storage. Follow the progress of these projects and provide regular updates to listeners about the challenges and successes involved. Interview farmers and scientists, separately and together, to make sure you cover all perspectives about the collaborations.
See package 61, number 4:
