Reaching mothers and fathers in their homes, in their language

Broadcaster Koudougou Yameogo: George Atkins Communications Award winner

Radio Palabre has been broadcasting since 1994 from Koudougou, Burkina Faso, 100 kilometres west of Ougadougou.

Koudougou Yameogo, known as Norbert, was an avid listener of Radio Palabre, enjoying the opportunity to learn from those older and wiser than him. Radio played an important role in Norbert’s life, helping to improve his and family members’ knowledge. He fondly remembers his mother listening to the radio for information on family health.

Norbert’s conviction that radio is an essential tool for communicating with rural communities convinced him to switch from working as an economics teacher to becoming a broadcaster, first working with Yaka Television Station and later, with rural radio.

Norbert has presented major shows on Radio Palabre, like Arbre à Palabre and Réveil en musique, both in the local language of Mooré. Now, he is the Mooré news editor and presenter. He is also one of the winners of the 2015 George Atkins Communications Award.

Norbert, and Radio Palabre, were partners with Farm Radio International on the PASME project to improve maternal and child health in Koudougou health district, beginning in 2012. The program reached 466,000 listeners over the course of more than 30 weeks. The program discussed topics such as nutrition, health, hygiene, agricultural and economic practices.

Norbert was also chosen by project partners to host a radio program about orange-fleshed sweet potato because of his engaging broadcasts.

“When you listen to Norbert’s shows, you remember that he devotes himself to his work and is convinced that radio can bring change. He knows how to engage project partners in his productions and this empowers them to convince more listeners,” said Bambara Richard, the nutritionist of Koudougou District.

The George Atkins Communications Award recognizes rural radio broadcasters for their outstanding commitment and contribution to food security and poverty reduction in low-income countries. Learn more about the award and past winners.

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