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
Community forest management
Introduction Community forest management is initiated by communities living near forests, and/or by governments or development partners in response to destruction of forests. It can also be called participatory forest management, community-based forest management, or joint forest management. In community forest management, the community has the right to make significant decisions on how a forest…
Biodiversity
Introduction Have you ever thought about the incredible variety of life on Earth? From the tiniest insects to the mightiest elephants, this variety is called biodiversity. But biodiversity is more than just pretty things – it’s the very foundation of a healthy planet and our well-being. What is biodiversity? Biodiversity, a short term for biological…
Gender-responsive Nature-based Solutions
Rural women participating in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Africa can generate numerous benefits, both at the individual and community levels. Nature-based Solutions, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, involve actions aimed at protecting, sustainably managing, and restoring both natural and modified ecosystems. These actions are designed to tackle societal challenges in…
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,…