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
The use of contraceptives in schools
Introduction Why is this topic important to listeners? Contraceptive methods prevent unwanted pregnancies in schools. They minimize the risk of dropping out of school. They allow young girls to develop to their fullest potential by sparing them the stigma associated with school pregnancy. They prevent clandestine abortions. Condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections. Young people…
Answers to your frequently asked questions on COVID-19
Table of Contents Basic information 1 Transmission and risk factors 2 Transmission: Myths and facts 3 Understanding the symptoms 3 Recommendations for staying safe and healthy 4 Treatment: Myths and facts 4 Face masks and gloves 5 Understanding recovery 6 Pregnancy, malaria, and previous health conditions 7 Broader impacts of COVID-19 7 For further…
Reforestation in the Kolda region of Senegal
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because farmers and conservationists should know: Practical ways to reforest a semi-arid or deforested region. How to revive tree stumps to grow again. How to help small-scale farmers find alternative sources of cooking fuel to reduce their dependence on trees. The tree species that are suited…
Key information on COVID-19 for broadcasters
Basic information about COVID-19 Download and edit the poster. (PDF) 1. How the virus is spread from person to person People catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease is spread through small droplets produced when infected people cough, sneeze, or exhale. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby or land on…
Sorghum production
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? It’s important for sorghum farmers to know: Which areas are suitable for sorghum production. The importance of sorghum in the human diet. Target markets. How to prepare land before planting sorghum. The pests and diseases that attack growing sorghum. How long it takes for sorghum to…
Backgrounder: Rights of rural women in Mali
1. Introduction In Mali, a rural woman is defined as a woman who works in agriculture, fisheries, or livestock. According to the 2019 Social Institutions and Gender Index, Mali is among the countries with a very high rate of gender-based discrimination, particularly in the Code des personnes et de la famille (the Malian legal…
Managing pests in stored maize
Introduction Why is this subject important to listeners? Because maize farmers should know: The pests that attack maize grains in storage and how to manage them. How to properly store maize grains to protect them from pest infestation and reduce the risk of damage. The products and natural substances to apply on maize grains…
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…