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
Reduce Pests Naturally with Biological Pest Control
Host: Good morning [evening, afternoon]. I’m your host __________. Farmers, do you know there are ways to control the pests and diseases that attack your crops without spraying chemical pesticides? Today we’re going to talk about biological pest control or how to reduce pests without using chemicals. MUSIC, UPBEAT TEMPO. FADE. Host: First, what do…
Understanding Plant Diseases
Host: Have you noticed that the leaves on your crops are curling up or falling off? Or wondered why the grain isn’t forming properly on your maize or millet? It could be that some of your crops are infected with a disease. Even if you don’t know the name of the disease that is damaging…
Grow Moringa for Food and Fodder
An ideal tree to grow in the city or country is moringa (Moringa oleifera). Moringa will give you food, fodder, fuelwood and shade. Its pods make a tasty, nutritious vegetable. You can eat its tender leaves and flowers too. The leaves also make excellent livestock feed. Best of all, this useful tree grows quickly and…
Comparing Crop Varieties: Start Small, Go Slowly
HOST -Welcome back to our series celebrating the success of farmer innovation and experimentation around the world. Today, our program focuses on trying out new plant varieties to get the best qualities in your crops – like higher yields, improved taste, colour or cooking qualities. We’re going to hear a story about a farmer who is…
Nutrition and Health: Story Ideas for the Radio
Nutrition and learning Message: Children who do not eat enough of the proper foods do not learn as well as well-nourished children. Program (drama): A young boy is failing his classes at school and his mother visits his teacher to express her concerns. The teacher explains that the boy is always tired and that maybe he is…
How Farmers can Adapt to a Changing Climate
How global warming affects the weather Have you heard of global warming? The earth is getting warmer because human actions – such as burning coal, oil and gas for energy – are increasing the levels of ‘greenhouse gases’ in the earth’s atmosphere. These gases, which include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, stop the sun’s…
A Guide for Broadcasters to Some Important Livestock Diseases
There are simply too many kinds of livestock diseases for a non-expert to be familiar with every one. This article provides a few basic facts about twelve of the most important and widespread livestock diseases. This information is basic, but it can help you decide what diseases to focus on when designing a radio program.…
Successful Enterprises Bring Needed Income in Times of Crisis
FADE IN MUSIC AND HOLD IN BACKGROUND Announcer: In the village of Tembe, many people have died. There are many women who have lost their husbands and are suffering because of this. The men in the village have always been in charge of growing crops like maize and bananas which are sold off the farm for…
HIV/AIDS: Myths and Facts
FACT HIV is spread only in the following ways: By having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an HIV positive person. By sharing needles or syringes with an HIV positive person. During pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding from an infected mother to her baby. Through transfusion of blood from an HIV positive person. FACT Body…