Canada invests in radio to broadcast nature-based solutions in Africa.

Nature Based solutions - woman stands in a field with a tree on the horizon

Over five years, Canada will address climate change and biodiversity loss in rural Africa through an innovative 10.9 million dollar investment by Global Affairs Canada in radio programs that highlight and promote nature-based solutions. 

Farm Radio International, a globally recognized Canadian charity, will work with 200 radio stations across Africa to share stories of rural communities adapting to climate change by partnering with nature. In six countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda and Zambia), “on air dialogues” with rural communities will be hosted by 20 radio stations to discover local priorities about, ideas for and experiences with harnessing nature to adapt to a changing climate.

Based on the results, more than 200 entertaining radio documentaries will be produced that showcase local solutions, and high-impact interactive radio programs will support rural Africans in bringing nature-based solutions to their communities. The best ideas that emerge from these programs will be spread Africa-wide through scripts and stories shared with a network of over 3,500 broadcasters in 38 countries.

These also aim to create an environment where women and youth have an increased role in contributing to conversations about the climate — and that decision and policy makers are paying attention to their voices. 

Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication will also support this project. Students will contribute to the production of podcasts that inform Canadians about the climate solutions coming from African communities and how Canada can support them.

"Climate change is causing great hardship for tens of millions of African small-scale farmers. Adaptation is a huge challenge - but many of the answers can be found in nature.  Protecting, regenerating, rehabilitating, incorporating nature in small-scale farming systems offers great potential - and radio is the best, most cost-effective way to share local experiences and support community action. We’re excited to have this opportunity to bring Farm Radio’s proven approaches to bear on this critical challenge.” 

Kevin Perkins, Executive Director, Farm Radio International

“Climate change and loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges facing us all. We are pleased to partner with Farm Radio International for their On-Air for Gender-Inclusive Nature-based Solutions project. Their proven innovative approaches to designing, producing and airing gender-responsive interactive radio programs will expand access to information across Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling communities and small farms to learn, customize and apply nature-based solutions.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

For questions or media inquiries related to this project please contact us at [email protected].

About the Project

On-Air for Gender-Inclusive Nature-based Solutions is a 5-year, $10.9 million project led by Farm Radio International and funded by the Government of Canada that will use high impact radio programs to work with local communities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda and Zambia to identify, share and support local nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and amplify those solutions to a network of 3,500 broadcasters across 38 African countries so they can be duplicated across the continent.

in partnership with canada

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