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
Good agricultural practices on cassava production, case of Côte d’Ivoire
Introduction Why is this topic important to listeners? Because farmers involved in cassava production need to know (that): Cassava is the second most important food crop after yam in this country, and cassava production, most of which is located in the southern half of the country, covers about 80% of national territory. Cassava is both…
Answers to your frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccines
Table of Contents Basic information Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Africa? 3 What are the benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19? 3 How do the COVID-19 vaccines work? 3 How were the COVID-19 vaccines developed so quickly? 4 When should I get vaccinated against COVID-19? 5 Are vaccinated people immune to…
Increasing sustainability in the cocoa value chain through locally adapted climate-smart practices
\ Introduction Why is this topic important to the audience? Because cocoa farmers should know: That Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans. In 2020, cocoa farming was practiced by one million small farmers and provided an income for five million people, or 20% of the population. How to organize their farming…
The 4R approach to fertilizer application, identifying nutrient deficiencies, and crop scouting
Introduction Fertilizers are synthetic or organic materials added to soil to increase its fertility. They provide at least one of the essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) plants need for healthy growth and good yields. There are different types of fertilizers and different methods for applying them. The two main types of fertilizers are organic…
System of Rice Intensification, including marketing and the impact of climate change
Introduction Rice is a cereal that originated in Asia and grows in all humid and sunny regions of Africa. Rice grows in water and produces a panicle * containing 100 to 200 grains. Rice is sown, then transplanted when it is 20 to 30 cm high. Rice is rich in starch, vitamins, minerals, and…
4R approach to applying fertilizer
Introduction This backgrounder discusses aspects of wheat and teff production with a specific focus on the 4R approach to applying fertilizer *. It also includes information on gender-sensitive and climate-smart practices. Why is this subject important to listeners? This material aims to inform listeners on: The benefits of fertilizer application in crop production. The…
Good practices in production and post-harvest management. Adapting to and mitigating climate change in conventional soybean production in Togo
Introduction The cultivation of soybeans was introduced in Togo in the 1980s, with the aim of providing a dietary supplement in protein and reducing malnutrition. But it was only in 2010 that Togolese producers adopted the crop. Since then, soybean production has grown significantly, and Togo is a leader in conventional soybean production (soybeans…
Production and post-harvest practices for organic soybean
Introduction The cultivation of organic soybeans excludes practices that involve using synthetic chemicals throughout the production chain. In addition, the cultivation of organic soybeans is based on other principles such as: The non-use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). The recommendation to recycle organic waste. Crop rotation to regenerate the soil. Managing insect pests with…
Production practices for wheat
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Farmers who want a good yield from their wheat farming need to know: The benefits of advance planning and planned allocation of resources. The benefits of involving women and the entire family in planning, including decisions to allocate resources. How they can access and use inputs…
Good agronomic practices for legume production in Ethiopia, focusing on faba bean
Introduction Why is this issue important to listeners? Because farmers and others involved in legume production should know: The benefits of legumes for small-scale farmers, consumers, and Ethiopia in terms of food security and income generation. The nutritional values of legumes. The contribution of legumes such as faba beans to soil fertility. How to…