Podcasting
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Authors
Andy Heath
Issue Date
04/12/2015
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Agriculture , Technology
Alternative Title
Abstract
Podcasting addresses some of challenges for those accessing extension services from government departments. In Gwanda farmers are able acquire knowledge and information through Podcasting (MP3 players). Despite Gwanda district being a remote and semi-arid area that has no grid electricity, a poor radio signal and no reliable mobile phone network, podcasting has enabled communities to access a wealth of knowledge resources. Podcasting has been implemented with participation of communities, extension experts and development agents capture information about crop and livestock production and health and hygiene issues. Content is recorded by the extension agents or by using the voice of community members. This collaborative approach ensures that knowledge from government extension agents and other development organisations is developed, recorded and converted into digital formats and loaded onto mp3 devices. A network of 60 Community Animators based in the target wards and villages is used to disseminate the knowledge content. In addition to sharing the information at community meetings, Community Animators are also approached by individual farmers for information on specific topics.