“Empowering Agriculture: WOFAN Trains Radio Journalists to Bridge Knowledge Gap for Farmers’ Success”

By Muhammad Sani Mu’azu

For accurate information to reach farmers there is need for training Radio journalists on the technicalities of transmitting new methods of farming capable of improving yields among other numerous challenges.

It will also ensures accurate and timely dissemination of crucial farming practices, weather updates, market trends, as well as empowering farmers with actionable insights for better decision-making.

The Executive Director of Women Farmers Advancements Network (WOFAN) Dr. Salamatu Garba stated this while presenting her speech at the end of a two-day workshop for Radio broadcasters, extension workers on the design of interactive Radio Extension Programming WOFAN ICON 2 Project.

She said marriage between extension officers and farmers through the training will enhances communication skills, fostering a clearer and more engaging delivery that resonates with diverse audiences.

Dr. Salamatu Garba added that bringing together extension officers, Producers and presenters of agriculture programs will help in synthesizing the different ways to improve communication to farmers.

The executive director said the training promotes the use of accessible language, making complex agricultural concepts understandable to target audience who are mostly rural farmers.

Dr. Salamatu Garba revealed that WOFAN and the participants have worked together in planning how to develop series of Radio programs that will change the life of the farmers, and to expand partnership with all the media houses so as more people from within and outside Nigeria will benefit from the impact of WOFAN ICONS 2 Project.

Also Speaking, the country rep of Farm Radio International Benjamin Fiafo noted that, as communication for development organisation, the Canadian NGO believed that partnering with WOFAN will help in using communication to support the development of farming activities and also give voice to farmers especially women.

He added that Farm Radio International is also working closely with other stakeholders like the agricultural development programs and other non governmental organizations to create development issues that will uplift farmers and improve their skills as well as productivity.

Meanwhile, Extension Workers and Radio broadcasters from different stations that attended WOFAN ICON 2 Project Workshop pledged to continue working in synergy to educate farmers on new methods of farming that will pave the way for an informed and resilient agricultural sector.

Dayyabu Mai Mai Rano from Kano State Radio and Muhammad Sadisu Abdussalam, an extension worker from Bauchi state Agricultural Development Program (BSADP) made the pledge in an exclusive interview with Albarka Radio correspondent Muhammad Sani Muazu immediately after the workshop which held in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital.

According to them, the two-day workshop on the design of interactive Radio Extension Programming have changed their perceptions completely on how Agriculture related programs should be presented.

They commended Women Farmers Advancements Network (WOFAN), Farm Radio International and Master Card Foundation for the gesture and promised to step down the knowledge for the benefit of farmers.