OUR VISION
 
To transform the lives of millions of smallholder farmers through a highly effective and cost-efficient strategy that engages farmers in the production of local radio programmes. These programmes broadcast vital information, so improving the viability of farming livelihoods and the sustainability of rural communities.

THE PROBLEM

 

Rural communities in lower income countries are under huge pressure. Intensive cultivation, climate change and inappropriate agricultural practices have resulted in deforestation, degraded soil and low productivity. Smallholder farmers are isolated and excluded due to a myriad of barriers including physical and digital connectivity, education, land tenure, gender and social and cultural norms.  They lack access to the knowledge or information they need to add value to their produce and earn a living income from their farming businesses. This means they remain in poverty and are highly vulnerable to any crisis.

 

THE SOLUTION

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Farmers' Voice Radio is an innovative use of a traditional technology, disseminating timely, relevant and practical information, in local language in the farmers' own voices, to even the most remote and isolated communities. It does this by bringing farmers, agricultural experts and supply chain partners together to share their knowledge, experience and expertise via the trusted medium of community radio. 

This is outlined in more detail in our Theory of Change.

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OUR BACKGROUND

 

Farmers' Voice Radio is an initiative of the Lorna Young Foundation, a small but mighty organisation established in memory of one of the UK’s fair trade pioneers. The Foundation aims to reduce poverty in lower income countries by improving smallholder livelihoods through better access to information, expertise and markets, and by bridging the gap between producers and consumers.