Farm Radio International
Encyclopedia
Farm Radio International, or Radios Rurales Internationales (official French name), is a Canadian non-profit organization based in Ottawa
, Ontario
. The organization works with radio broadcasters to improve food security and agricultural methods for smallholder farmers in African countries.
, journalist at CBC Radio
, under the name Developing Countries Farm Radio Network (DCFRN). During a trip to Zambia
in 1975, Mr. Atkins found that there was a lack of information about simple farming techniques for African smallholder farmers. Four years later a first script package was sent out to broadcasters and DCFRN was created.
In 2008 the organization changed its name to Farm Radio International.
, is based in Ottawa, Ontario, but does also have staff in several African countries. Through its partner organization WUSC, Farm Radio International received a 4 million USD grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
in 2007 "to enhance the impact of radio broadcasting on food security in Africa". The Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA) is an important donor for Farm Radio International's other work.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
. The organization works with radio broadcasters to improve food security and agricultural methods for smallholder farmers in African countries.
History
The organization was founded in 1979 by George AtkinsGeorge Atkins (broadcaster)
George Stuart Atkins CM was a Canadian broadcaster, a CBC television and radio host, and the founder of Farm Radio International.-Interviews:**-References:...
, journalist at CBC Radio
CBC Radio
CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...
, under the name Developing Countries Farm Radio Network (DCFRN). During a trip to Zambia
Zambia
Zambia , officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west....
in 1975, Mr. Atkins found that there was a lack of information about simple farming techniques for African smallholder farmers. Four years later a first script package was sent out to broadcasters and DCFRN was created.
In 2008 the organization changed its name to Farm Radio International.
Work
Farm Radio International, led in its daily work by executive director Kevin PerkinsKevin Perkins
Kevin Perkins is the executive director of the Canadian not-for-profit organization Farm Radio International since May 2006. He is also the founder and president of CAP Aids, a Canadian organization based in Toronto, Ontario which fights AIDS/HIV....
, is based in Ottawa, Ontario, but does also have staff in several African countries. Through its partner organization WUSC, Farm Radio International received a 4 million USD grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest transparently operated private foundation in the world, founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. It is "driven by the interests and passions of the Gates family"...
in 2007 "to enhance the impact of radio broadcasting on food security in Africa". The Canadian International Development Agency
Canadian International Development Agency
The Canadian International Development Agency was formed in 1968 by the Canadian government. CIDA administers foreign aid programs in developing countries, and operates in partnership with other Canadian organizations in the public and private sectors as well as other international organizations...
(CIDA) is an important donor for Farm Radio International's other work.