Backgrounders
Backgrounders are brief introductions to important and technical topics and Answers to frequently asked questions share key information on a topic.
Use this information to plan an episode or series of episodes on the topic, to prepare for an interview, or to answer questions from callers.
- All
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Children and youth
- Climate change
- Community development
- Crop production
- Energy
- Environment and climate change
- Gender equality
- Health
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Land issues
- Livestock and beekeeping
- Marketing and market information
- Nature-based Solutions
- Nutrition
- Post-harvest activities
- Social issues
- Soil health
- Trees and agroforestry
- Water management
Preventive livestock healthcare and veterinary paraprofessionals
Introduction In many countries across sub-Saharan Africa, it can be difficult for farmers to access animal health services. The overall number of veterinarians remains low, and they are more likely to be located in urban areas. Unfortunately, there are also many untrained persons or “quacks” offering services and many illegal veterinary drugs available on the…
Backgrounder and FAQs on puberty
Introduction Puberty is a period during which the human body changes from childhood to adulthood. The sexual organs and the body develop and/or change. The bodily changes observed during puberty are due to major hormonal changes. The endocrine glands, notably the ovaries and testes, produce sex hormones. This transformation can make girls and boys question…
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. HIV targets and kills cells in your blood called “CD4+ cells*,” also known as “T cells*.” These cells help protect your body from disease. As the virus impairs or destroys the functioning of these immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient,…
Nature-based Solutions
Definition of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Nature-based Solutions can be defined as “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits,” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). NbS targets major challenges such as…
Recommended breastfeeding and weaning practices
Introduction Breastfeeding Why is this topic important to listeners? To help listeners understand that breastfeeding is not a sign of poverty. To help listeners understand that breastmilk is free and appropriate for a baby’s needs. To help listeners understand that bottle-feeding often exposes young children to health problems (oral and pharyngeal infections, gastroenteritis, etc.), especially…
Impacts of COVID-19 on older people, persons with disabilities, and immuno-compromised persons
Introduction COVID-19 is a serious pandemic that needs urgent attention to check its advance and impact on people’s health, lifestyles, and economic status. Consequently, it is important to reach all sectors of society to raise awareness about this pandemic. Specific measures to prevent infection and transmission have been designed. These include wearing face masks, keeping…
Fertility, pregnancy, and COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa — How does COVID-19 affect women’s reproductive health?
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis caused by a virus that appeared in China in late 2019. In January 2020, this infectious disease began to spread to Europe and the Americas and eventually reached Africa, with Egypt announcing the continent’s first confirmed case on February 14, 2020. (1) Less than two weeks…