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
Treat Animal Diseases with Medicinal Plants
Many people know that plants can be used to treat human illnesses. But did you know that medicinal plants can also be used to cure animals? There may be plants growing in your own garden or by the roadside that can be used to care for sick livestock. Wounds, burns, stomach problems, and many other…
A Farmer Practices Zero Grazing
Which is better? One healthy cow or five skinny, sick cows? Many farmers think that it is better to put more work into keeping one animal well-fed and healthy than to keep a number of animals that fend for themselves. They are learning that allowing animals to graze together in a common area does not…
The Cow that Reunited a Family
Cheo Dora Neba is a farmer. She grows maize, corn, and beans. She lives in the village of Bambui in the country of Cameroon. The people in her village call her Dora. For many years Dora worked hard but it was a struggle to survive and feed her family. Her husband moved away to another…
Livestock and the Natural Environment
Is livestock good or bad for the land and the natural environment? Are there ways that livestock can benefit trees and soils? These are the questions I’d like to discuss with you today. Let’s start by considering the behaviour of goats. When I say the word “goat”, what comes into your mind? Of course your…
Stop Soil Erosion with Living Plant Barriers
Today we have an interesting idea about preventing soil erosion from fellow farmer Harvey Harman. Harvey lived in South Africa for many years where he worked on an agricultural development project. In many parts of the world, soil erosion is a problem. Often the soil washes down slopes. This causes gullies to form. Gullies are…
A School Garden in India
There is a small village called Bhandarikuda in eastern India. It lies next to Chilika Lake, which is a famous saline lake. Many years ago, during the rainy season, the land around the village was submerged in lake water. Gangadhar Bidyaniketan is a secondary school located two kilometres away from the village in a lonely…
Farmers in Nicaragua Challenge El Nino
In the country of Nicaragua in Central America, many farmers are discouraged. They have lost interest in their work. Their soil is bare and exposed. If it rains hard the rain carries away the op soil. If there is very little rain the wind and the sun dry out the earth. But right next door,…
Choose Energy Sources Wisely
Have you heard about sustainable farming? It’s a way of farming that many farmers are talking about. Sustainable farming can also be called long-term farming or farming for the future. It means taking care of the land. In return the land will produce food for many years, so that your children’s children can enjoy good…
Farming for the Future: Some Practical Methods
Have you heard of sustainable farming? Many farmers and extension workers are talking about it. It could be the solution to some of your farming problems — problems that can make it difficult for you to harvest a good crop every season. Some of these problems are soil erosion, disappearing forests, and lack of water.…
Farming for the Future: Introduction
Do you know about sustainable farming? Many farmers are talking about it. It could be a solution to some of your farming problems. Sustainable farming can also be called long-term farming or farming for the future. It means taking care of the land. In return the land will produce food for many years. Farming for…