ECHO on the Radio
A West African radio broadcast connects growers across Tanzania to ECHO’s proven farming techniques. Spoken in Swahili and run by Charles Bonaventure and Venance Mollel, the bimonthly show airs on Radio Safina, a Christian radio channel that reaches listeners nationwide. Fun fact, you too can tune in to Radio Safina! The show began in 2014 to educate the community about the importance of sustainable farming and share a holistic gospel message.
Listeners are taught many different farming strategies related to conservation agriculture, agroecology, energy conservation, and reducing food waste. The hosts also educate listeners on invasive species of pests and diseases.
Sharing Success Stories
“Through radio programming, we can share information, tips, and success stories related to sustainable agriculture,” Bonaventure shares, “ultimately inspiring more people to make environmentally conscious food choices.”
Radio technology has allowed ECHO to reach people quickly with farming techniques, and at a much larger radius than in-person training ever could alone.
Listeners with questions can call or send messages to the hosts during and after each show. “We get at least seven responses as follow-up questions in the session and not less than 10 calls post-interview,” says Bonaventure. The radio program has received only positive feedback from those who listen. He said the show has even inspired many people to visit the ECHO demonstration plot and seed bank for further education.
Connecting with Communities Across Tanzania
“Radio programming can yield a variety of outcomes and impacts, both in terms of raising awareness and driving tangible behavior change within communities,” Bonaventure says.
The radio broadcast continues to help growers across Tanzania produce in abundance as it openly shares the good news of the Gospel and how to glorify God through sustainable harvesting.
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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve and empower its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org
