February 13—In celebration of World Radio Day 2024 with the theme “Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating”, ComDev Asia spotlights its Rural Radio Initiative 2023 as part of its continuing commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development
in Asia-Pacific.

The Rural Radio Initiative 2023 was implemented in Asia through the ComDev Asia platform using a participatory approach involving farmers’ associations, community media and development institutions. Farmers’ organizations in the region have actively participated in the
design of radio programmes, defining topics, broadcast schedules, and interviewees, as well as contributing to overall radio programming. The initiative—along with its Africa and Latin America counterparts—has generated people- centred radio programs addressing family farmers’ needs and priorities and have been broadcasted through tens of radio stations in rural areas, reaching millions of farmers globally. These radio programs are now made available online through ComDev Asia, YenKasa Africa and Onda Rural.

In Asia-Pacific, a total of six countries participated in the initiative: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, The Philippines, Indonesia, and Solomon Islands. Each country partnered with a local farmer organization to ensure grassroots representation and participation, producing a total of 85 radio
features broadcasted in six local radio stations and in six different local languages, in addition to English. The Rural Radio Initiative has not only empowered family farmers but has also contributed to raising awareness of the vital role of family farming in sustainable agrifood systems. It aligns with the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF 2019-2028), which emphasizes the importance of communication in advancing family farming and enhancing the ICT capacity of family farmers.To celebrate World Radio Day 2024, all stations and radio networks involved in the Rural Radio Initiative 2023 will participate in a live broadcast, airing radio programs focused on family farming issues and rural life. They will unite under the common message and slogan, Rural Radio – Shaping together sustainable landscapes and livelihoods. Each radio station will broadcast 2-3 main programs, emphasizing collaborative efforts to promote sustainable rural development.

ComDev Asia’s dedication to utilizing rural radio for empowerment and knowledge dissemination is commendable. As we celebrate World Radio Day 2024, let us recognize the essential role of radio in shaping a sustainable future for rural communities in Asia-Pacific and worldwide.

To access ComDev Asia’s Rural Radio initiative, click here.