Rongo University UNESCO Chair
Establishment of UNESCO Chair on Community Radio for Agricultural Education at Rongo University
On October 18, 2019, Rongo University and the United Nations Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) signed an agreement to establish a UNESCO Chair on Community Radio for Agricultural Education. Prof. Samuel Gudu was appointed as the Chair holder, with Dr. Peter Day from the School of Media and Arts at the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom serving as an assistant.
Mission to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
The mission of the Chair is to advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to end hunger in all its forms by 2030 and achieve food security for all. Additionally, the Chair seeks to promote UNESCO’s focus on multi-stakeholder partnerships through training, research, and innovation. Leveraging media and ICT platforms for knowledge sharing, this initiative harnesses the potential of community radio for participatory knowledge sharing, addressing global challenges like climate change, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
Target Audience and Beneficiaries
The initiative primarily targets smallholder farmers, who make up 80% of food producers in Migori County, Kenya. The program aims to enhance participatory knowledge sharing on sustainable farming systems through radio programs and new media content. Other beneficiaries include students of media and agriculture from Rongo University, agricultural extension workers, community radio broadcasters, environmentalists, agronomists, and agribusiness experts. These groups will receive training on research and content production for radio broadcasting and social media sharing.
Utilizing Radio and New Media for Social Change
Most Kenyan households have access to various radio channels that broadcast in indigenous languages. Young farmers, who form a significant portion of local food producers, recognize the power of new media platforms. When properly utilized, these networks can disseminate innovative farming technologies to a broad range of agricultural stakeholders. The Chair’s philosophy is built on the immense potential of radio and new media technologies to catalyze social change and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Enhancing Agricultural Knowledge Through Community Radio
By focusing on community radio, the UNESCO Chair at Rongo University aims to empower smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement sustainable agricultural practices. This approach not only supports SDG 2 but also aligns with UNESCO’s broader objectives of fostering educational and cultural advancements through innovative media solutions.
Officers of RU UNESCO Chair
Below are the UNESCO Chair Mid-Year Reports on Community Radio for Agricultural Education and The Progress Report for the Renewal of a UNESCO Chair or UNITWIN Network. Click the buttons below to view the Reports.
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