AGFAX Radio - Agriculture on Air

AGFAX radio produces packs to provide radio stations with a source of useful and interesting radio interviews. Each of the packs contains either a CD or a cassette which contains a selection of ready-for-broadcast, edited interviews. The distributed audio material can be used in its entirety or edited by broadcasters to suit their needs.

Interviews are recorded with researchers, advisors, and farmers (including women, youth, and other disadvantaged groups). They are used in broadcasts devoted to farming and rural issues, as well as news bulletins and discussion programmes. Interview topics have included the Malawian government's new approach to agricultural extension; how small-scale Zambian farmers are using drip-irrigation to grow vegetables year-round; using recycled waste to make compost in Ghana; and the positive impact an information centre and local radio station are having on farmers in Uganda.

In addition to the audio interviews, Agfax supplies all the supporting information that a programme producer might need, including a suggested introduction and back announcement for each interview and contacts for further information. To assist broadcasters who may want to translate the interviews into a local language, or, perhaps, to edit the interview further, Agfax also provides a full transcript of each interview. All materials are provided to radio stations free-of-charge and are available for download on the Agfax Radio website. Visitors to the website can search for interviews by monthly pack, by theme - for example livestock science or sustainable agriculture - or by subject.

Agfax currently commissions interviews and features from a network of journalists in the following regions and countries:

• East Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda;
• Central Africa - Malawi, Zambia, Cameroon;
• West Africa - Ghana and The Gambia; and
• Southern Africa - Zimbabwe.

Agriculture, Rural Development