[en] In a context of low literacy rates and a high level of rurality, the use of rural radio in agricultural extension is a method that can bridge the gap that exists between researchers, extension workers, and farmers. This article examines the level of farmers’ access to rural radio in relation to gender and livelihoods. The study was conducted in Benin with 18 rural radio stations and 240 rice processors, using the sustainable livelihoods framework to examine the relationship between access to rural radio and livelihoods. Although the study cannot draw conclusions on causal relationships, rice processors who often listened to agricultural broadcasts had better social, financial, and human capital stocks compared to those who did not. Despite the efforts of 72% of the radio stations to link up with extension services, half of the rice processors rarely or never listened to agricultural broadcasts, because the timing of the broadcasts was inappropriate. Interactive radio sessions with farmers that involve government officials will need to address this if they are to become more effective. [fr] Dans un contexte de taux d’alphabétisation faible et de ruralité considérable, l’utilisation de la radio rurale dans la vulgarisation agricole est une méthode qui peut réduire l’écart entre les chercheurs, les vulgarisateurs et les agriculteurs. Cet article examine le degré d’accès parmi les agriculteurs à la radio rurale par rapport au genre et aux moyens de subsistance. Cette étude a été menée au Bénin avec 18 stations de radio rurales et 240 usineurs de riz, en utilisant le cadre des moyens de subsistance pour examiner le rapport entre l’accès à la radio locale et les moyens de subsistance. Si l’étude ne permet pas de tirer des conclusions sur les rapports causaux, les usineurs de riz qui écoutaient souvent les émissions de radio avaient de meilleurs stocks de capital social, financer et humain que les autres. En dépit des efforts de 72 % des stations de radio pour nouer des liens avec des services de vulgarisation, la moitié des usineurs de riz écoutaient rarement, voire jamais, les émissions agricoles, parce que les horaires des émissions ne leur convenaient pas. Les sessions radio interactives avec les agriculteurs qui font intervenir des représentants du gouvernement devront résoudre ce problème pour améliorer leur efficacité.
Disciplines :
Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Zossou, Espérance
Vodouhe, Davo Simplice
Van Mele, Paul
Agboh-Noameshie, Afiavi Rita
Lebailly, Philippe ; Université de Liège > Agronomie, Bio-ingénierie et Chimie (AgroBioChem) > Economie et développement rural
Language :
English
Title :
Linking local rice processors’ access to rural radio, gender, and livelihoods in Benin
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