Resource Pack 74
Through years of practiced observation farmers have developed traditional ways to forecast environmental changes. By using indicators such as the flowering time of certain trees, the direction and speed of the winds, and even insect behaviour, farmers monitor and predict changes in their surroundings. These types of ‘grassroots indicators’ are often an informal early warning system for drought and desertification.
Resource Pack 73
The impact of HIV and AIDS on food production and rural households in sub-Saharan Africa is undeniable. AIDS generally hits people in their most productive years, between the ages of 15 and 49. People become too sick to farm and feed themselves and their families. Significant losses in food production also result from deaths in families, and time taken to attend funerals and other mourning rituals.
Resource Pack 72
The eleven scripts published in the September 2004 package cover different aspects of pest control: everything from deciding when an insect becomes a pest, to possible solutions to weed and insect pests in certain crops, and the potential dangers of applying chemical pesticides. The messages woven throughout the scripts are similar: learn about pests; use that knowledge to decide what control methods to use; use many different methods at the same time; and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides.
Resource Pack 71
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we decided to canvass our partners directly to help set the theme for the June package. We were surprised how many responses we received requesting information about specific crops, as well as water management and rainwater harvesting techniques. It seems fitting that our anniversary package represents somewhat of a return to our “roots”: providing simple, affordable and sustainable farming techniques and water harvesting solutions that will help to increase food security.
Resource Pack 70
The five radio scripts sent to partners with this newsletter are produced from previously published Network material. They focus on different aspects of women’s contribution to food production and good nutrition, and are intended to stimulate discussion about the vital role that women play as farmers, food providers, and caretakers of their families and communities.
Resource Pack 69
Radio plays a vital role in raising awareness of global issues. It also has tremendous power in shaping children’s lives. As a broadcaster, you can help to advance child development by producing documentaries and dramas that teach and entertain, and help make a world fit for children.
Resource Pack 68
The scripts in this package present farmer success stories, examples of experimental methods and information about the importance of protecting traditional knowledge.
Resource Pack 67
Most communities are affected by conflict of some kind. Your community may not be affected by armed conflict, but it is probably affected by local disputes. For example, many communities are involved in conflict over natural resources, such as land or water. Broadcasters have a role to play in conflict prevention, analysis, resolution and rebuilding. Following are some of the issues that are important to discuss on your radio programs to help your listeners, especially farmers and refugees, address and overcome conflict.
Resource Pack 66
Better post-harvest methods – proper storage, food processing – can benefit farmers in many ways. With adequate storage, a farmer can decide when to sell the crops intended for market – sometimes waiting until the prices are higher, rather than selling immediately after harvest. Or, if the harvest is meant to feed the family, good storage and processing methods can ensure increased food supplies and better nutrition. In the following programs, we also discuss why prices change; how to interpret prices; how to calculate marketing costs. With the right information, farmers can plan their production to meet market demand, schedule their harvests at the most profitable times, decide where to sell their produce, and negotiate better deals with traders.
Resource Pack 65
Simple, low-cost solutions for improving nutrition and health are highlighted in this package. Scripts provide information about what is necessary for a well-balanced diet – one that includes carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. They explore growing a variety of foods as a strategy for maintaining good family nutrition. A varied diet that includes all essential nutrients is necessary for good health. The nutritional value of home gardens and traditional foods is emphasized in several scripts. Home gardens are diverse, flexible, and, once established, easy to manage. Traditional foods are often inexpensive and very nutritious.