FADECO RADIO has been incorporated as an implementing partner in the ECREA project, an initiative that aims to increase farmers’ engagement and climate resilience by providing tailored weather information.
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Tanzania and this sustains the livelihoods of many communities. The negative impacts of climate change – such as recent prolonged drought spells and extreme floods experienced across East Africa – are increasingly felt by farmers. These extreme weather events threaten crop yields and food security, highlighting the urgent need for localized and accurate climate information to help farmers adapt.
Tanzanian farmers often struggle with access to relevant weather and climate information, which in hinder their ability to effectively manage risks associated with bad or poor weather in a cropping season for better agricultural production. Drawing inspiration from the success of a similar initiative in Rwanda, where over 100,000 farmers are being reached with Weather and Climate Information Services (WCIS), the Enhancing Climate Resilience in East Africa (ECREA) project is pioneering a transformative approach to disseminating WCIS in Tanzania through Radio Listeners Clubs. In this respect, FADECO Radio will benefit from the experiences gained from Radio Huguka from Rwanda. FADECO radio in Tanzania ha estimated audience of over 7 million people in the NW Tanzania.
During a Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) workshop in Karagwe and Kigoma region conducted between 3- 7 June 2024, four partners including TARI (Tanzania Agricultural Institute), TMA (Tanzania Meteorological Agency), CGIAR AND FADECO radio have agreed to work together in the ECREA project. ECREA is leveraging the successful model piloted in Rwanda, where Listeners Clubs harness the combined reach of broadcast media and participatory processes.
The collaborative model involving government bodies, research institutions, and meteorological services ensures sustainable agricultural practices and creates a scalable framework for other regions. This approach promises a broader impact and long-term sustainability. By integrating farmers and private sector entities such as community radios (FADECO and Huguka) into the ECREA project, the model supports profitable business opportunities and enhances farmers’ productivity and profitability. For community radio stations, increased listenership and improved quality of content boosts their trust and credibility. This, in turn, motivates station owners to invest further in climate information services, recognizing their significant business potential.
The ECREA project is supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Met Office’s Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) program and is leading collaborative efforts to customize weather and climate services for smallholder farmers across East Africa – specifically in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Implemented by the Alliance, the project works with local radio stations like Radio Huguka and FADECO radio, as well as national meteorological and agricultural research systems, digital companies, and telecommunications firms. This collective effort aims to empower farmers with essential knowledge and tools to navigate climate variability and make informed decisions. The project aims to reach at least 3 million farmers by 2025. It also establishes a framework that integrates FADECO Radio and other stakeholders, previously lacking clear mechanisms for community engagement, to co-create tailored radio programs that meet local needs. This approach amplifies farmers’ voices, driving collective action towards a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
