Communication and Family Farming Radio Campaign

This information campaign is part of the "Communication and Community Media in Family Farming and Food security" initiative, which is working to, among other things, "facilitate dialogue between stakeholders and to promote communication for development, guaranteeing communication rights of the rural population."

The first series of radio programmes produced as part of the campaign focused on: regional perspectives on the IYFF, the link between communication and family farming, and the role of community media. They have been recorded in English, French, and Spanish. Audio tracks and additional information about the IYFF can be downloaded on the AMARC website. The programmes are also being broadcast through AMARC's network in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. They are also featured on three regional online platforms - Onda Rural, ComDev Asia , and Yenkasa Africa - which are designed to promote knowledge sharing and joint initiatives in communication as it is applied to agriculture and rural development, as well as to highlight the role of communication and community media in family farming and as drivers for social change in rural areas.

In addition to increasing awareness of issues around family farming, the campaign informs seeks to inform people about the outcomes of regional dialogues on family farming held in connection with the IYFF. During the dialogues, participants identified priorities and specific actions in order to achieve food and nutrition security in different regions. They also discussed family farming as a way of life that contributes to the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, preservation of the environment, natural resources and cultural heritage, and the need for sustainable investments. The interviews share participants' opinions and recommendations and are available on the AMARC website.

Furthermore, the campaign foresees a second phase starting in June 2014 when a series of radio programmes on family farming issues will be produced and broadcasted through AMARC regional networks in collaboration with FAO.

Food security, Farming

The goal of the 2014 IYFF is to "reposition family farming at the centre of agricultural, environmental and social policies in the national agendas by identifying gaps and opportunities to promote a shift towards a more equal and balanced development. The 2014 IYFF will promote broad discussion and cooperation at the national, regional and global levels to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by smallholders and help identify efficient ways to support family farmers."