The LFSNAC project’s original intention was to start its own community radio station, but found it made more sense to partner with an existing radio station. In exchange for producing and airing the programmes related to the project, FAO is helping Radio Yangeni extend its coverage through technical expansion.

The project and Radio Yangeni have also started airing programmes for school-going children in primary schools in Mansa district, based on the nutrition education materials for grade four. The programmes are produced by the children themselves under the guidance of a trained schoolteacher. In future, it is hoped that children themselves will serve as peer teachers/presenters of the programme.

According to organisers, involving the children in the creation of the programmes and working with the nutrition education materials in a non-traditional way can help the children internalise the material more quickly. It can also have a positive effect on the adults in the community who, upon hearing their children on the radio, may be more likely to listen to what’s being said. It can also encourage dialogue between parents and children about nutrition and food security issues.

Partnering with an established radio station allows the LFSNAC project to access an existing audience base, rather than having to build one of their own. It helps ensure that the programmes produced by the project and Radio Yangeni reach their intended audiences. In addition, the training and equipment the radio station is receiving from FAO will enable the station to expand its coverage and increase its audience base, thereby increasing the number of people exposed to the LFSNAC project’s programming. The project is using programmes currently airing on Radio Yangeni as a way to market project activities and objectives, as well as to inform listeners about nutrition and food security issues.

Nutrition, Food Security, Agriculture.

In order to attract a larger listenership for the children’s programmes, the organisers of the LFSNAC project have proposed the formation of school nutrition listening groups. The organisers also hope that these programmes will be sent to the national radio, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, giving the LFSNAC project a much wider reach.

According to the organisers, the programme has received a lot of support from parents and guardians of the children, who are keen to listen to their children talking on the radio.

The LFSNAC project’s major objectives include the improvement of agricultural outputs, nutrition, and food security in 4 project Districts of the Luapula Province, namely, Mwense, Nchelenge, Chienge, and Kawambwa. Originally, Mansa district was not included but, since partnering with Radio Yangeni, that district has become part of the project.

To date the expansion of radio coverage to the 4 project districts has not yet been completed; however, organisers say that there has been substantial provision of radio equipment.