Who We Are
Farm Radio Trust (FRT) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that exists to foster rural and agricultural development in Malawi through the use of radio and other information and communications technologies (ICTs).
Our Story
For years, many have suspected radio’s potential as an informative tool to help smallholder farmers in Africa better obtain food, nutrition and income security. But as of 2007, little data had been collected to prove these suspicions true. Farm Radio International (FRI), a Canadian NGO, launched a 3-year study that was conducted in 5 African countries, including Malawi. The research findings confirmed radio’s status as an accessible, powerful medium of communication in the promotion of improved agricultural practices. The project found radio to be particularly valuable when combined with ICTs to develop participatory radio programming, which gives listeners a voice and allows them to get involved.
Born from this research project was FRT, an independent, self-existent organization, established in 2009. Since our inception, FRT has made strides in agricultural and rural development through our variety of programs.
What We Do
Among FRT’s many activities, our main functions include:
- Providing farmer advisory services through impactful radio programming in conjunction with other ICTs
- Training and building capacity of broadcasters and radio stations
- Promoting participatory radio campaigns facilitated by the use of ICTs
- Researching, documenting and managing knowledge surrounding beneficial, evidence-based farming practices and farm radio programming
- Advocating for an amplified position of radio and ICTs in agricultural development, as well as for increased access to agricultural information by smallholder farmers.
- Supporting partnerships and collaboration within the farm radio world and associated industries
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