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
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Why is this subject important to listeners? Sexually transmitted infections affect a large proportion of the population. Some STIs, including herpes and syphilis, can more than triple the risk of contracting HIV. STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia are major causes of pelvic inflammation and sterility. Most STIs can be cured when treated on time,…
Gender inequalities in land rights in Africa
Save and edit this resource as a Word document. 1. Introduction Land is a key economic and livelihood resource for women in Africa. Most women rely on land for their livelihoods and are responsible for much of the agricultural production. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up nearly 50% of agricultural workers. But many women are…
Post-harvest management of Irish potatoes
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because Irish potato farmers should know: The maturity period for potatoes. The visible signs that potatoes are ready for harvesting. The right time of day and the best weather to harvest potatoes. How to harvest potatoes. How to sort and grade potatoes. The right conditions for…
Production of Irish potatoes
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because Irish potato farmers should know: How to prepare land before planting Irish potatoes. The right types of soil for Irish potatoes. Crops that can be rotated with Irish potatoes to encourage high production and reduce the spread of pests and diseases. How to select the…
Managing livestock diseases: Mycoplasmosis and coccidiosis
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? So that farmers know how to prevent coccidiosis and mycoplasmosis. So that farmers can recognize coccidiosis and mycoplasmosis symptoms in various livestock and identify animals affected by the diseases. So that farmers know adopt effective hygienic measures to better manage livestock shelters. So that farmers know…
Tomato marketing and transportation
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because farmers and processors who handle fresh tomatoes after harvest should know: The right time to harvest tomatoes for different markets. That it’s best to harvest tomatoes in the morning to avoid excessive heat. How to sort and grade tomatoes. How to package and store tomatoes…
Pest management in mangoes
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because mango farmers should know: The pests that affect mango fruits and their impacts. How to identify mango pests. How to manage orchards to reduce pest incidence. How to manage the spread of pests between mango orchards. The chemical and non-chemical options for managing mango pests.…
Integrated pest management (IPM)
Introduction Integrated pest management or IPM emerged in the 1940s and 1950s with the recognition that overreliance on chemical (or synthetic) pesticides can cause environmental problems. This backgrounder defines IPM, introduces the principles of IPM, and uses examples from managing various insect pests to illustrate the principles. A pesticide can be defined as “a…
Cocoa production
Introduction: The cocoa tree is native to South America, and was brought to West Africa in the 1800s. In 1879, cocoa pods were brought from Equatorial Guinea to Ghana. The first cocoa farm was started at Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern region. Now, farmers also grow cocoa in the forest areas of Ashanti Region,…
Production and postharvest activities for sesame
Introduction Sesame (Sesame indicum) belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. Grown throughout the world, the size of the plant varies from 0.5 to 2 metres, depending on weather conditions, with a life cycle varying from 80 to 180 days. There are 17 varieties grown in Africa. Sesame is an income-generating crop in West Africa, which represents…