From Listeners to Changemakers

Broadcasting innovations in livestock production through native-language radio programs effectively communicate with farmers, promoting agriculture and development in rural areas. ICARDA launched a radio program on sheep fattening in Ethiopia, broadcast in six native languages to engage local communities.

The interactive format allows farmers to share comments and questions, and a baseline survey reveals radio’s value in disseminating agricultural innovations. The program’s experimental design involves three village-level clusters, and significant improvements in feeding, health, entrepreneurship, and gender issues were noted in midterm evaluations. Continued and expanded radio programs, integrated with complementary extension services, are recommended for sustainable sheep-fattening practices.

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