The programme is setting up a rural radio broadcasting network covering the main parts of the country, with 20 units in each of seven regions. These networks of self managed solar rural radio units (SEMRRUs) will be operated by local teams of men and women who will produce, translate, and transmit the local programming. The programme will create local associations, training community members in management, broadcasting, and programme content production to ensure sustainability and critical local ownership.

The three-phase programme began in the summer of 1999 whcich involved setting up one unit in each of the seven rural regions outside the capital, Niamey. The next consolidation phase during 2001-2002 expanded to 20 broadcasting units in each region, including 10 in Niamey, for a total of 150 stations.

The next five years of 2003-2007 are focusing on expanding the programming, partners, applications, and information and communications technology equipment such as computers, TV, and telephones.

The project provides:

The first station was in Bankilare, a village of 2000 plus the 10000 nomads in the 12-kilometer area who are without significant income, electricity, telephone, or clean water.

"Training will be given to local teams or associations to manage the units and produce or translate the programmes in the local languages; in Bankilare these would be Tamacheq, Songhai, Peulh, and Arabic."

Technology

The programme is aimed at supporting economic development, such as mills or pumps and also at expanding the range of income-generating activities in both the communications and production sectors.