Maryam Aminu
The Women Environmental Programme (WEP) has unveiled the Farm Beta Radio Programme, an innovative platform designed to empower farmers with early warning climate information and sustainable agriculture techniques.
The programme was officially launched on November 21, 2024, during a virtual event attended by key stakeholders from government, civil society, farming communities, and the media.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change in Benue State, Honourable Odoh Ugwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Akaa Nyam Thomas, commended WEP’s commitment to addressing climate risks in agriculture.
He emphasized the programme’s potential to enhance productivity and resilience among rural and women farmers.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, Founder and Global President of WEP, highlighted that the Farm Beta Radio aligns with the goals of the WomenPower2030 Project an EU-funded initiative aimed at strengthening feminist civil society networks to achieve gender-equal sustainable development.
Co-implementing partner Auvi Priodarsine of Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) described the radio programme as “a lifeline for farmers facing the dual challenges of climate change and agricultural vulnerability.”
Innovative Outreach for Farmers
Radio, a trusted medium for rural communities, was praised as an effective tool for disseminating climate information.
Mrs. Glory Onyegbule, Director of Applied Meteorological Services at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), noted that “83.4% of Nigerian households own a working radio, and over half of rural farmers access radio daily,” making it the ideal channel for climate education.
She reaffirmed NiMet’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to deliver actionable agrometeorological information to farmers.
The Director of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola Awe, hailed Farm Beta Radio as “a transformative initiative for sustainable agriculture.” Similarly, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant to the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, emphasized that it represents “a critical step forward in addressing the intersection of agriculture and climate change.”
Farm Beta Radio broadcasts weekly on stations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring access to critical climate updates and sustainable farming techniques:
Farm Beta Radio broadcasts weekly on stations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring access to critical climate updates and sustainable farming techniques:
North-East: Albarka Radio 97.5 FM, Bauchi – Fridays, 10:00 am
North-West: Salama Radio 98.1 FM, Kafanchan – Tuesdays, 9:30 am
North-Central: Agate Radio 95.5 Star FM, Makurdi – Thursdays, 5:30 pm
South-South: Super FM 88.1, Benin – Thursdays, 6:30 pm
South-West: Women Radio 91.7 FM, Ogun State – Mondays, 5:00 pm
South-East: Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation 98.1 FM, Abakaliki – Sundays, 7:30 pm
The Farm Beta Radio Programme aims to bridge the gap between climate science and agricultural practices, equipping farmers with tools to mitigate climate risks while boosting productivity.
The Farm Beta Radio Programme aims to bridge the gap between climate science and agricultural practices, equipping farmers with tools to mitigate climate risks while boosting productivity.
It underscores WEP’s dedication to inclusive solutions that empower rural communities, particularly women farmers, to thrive in the face of climate challenges.
By providing accessible and practical information, WEP is not only fostering resilience but also paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria. The Farm Beta Radio initiative sets a new benchmark for integrating technology, education, and climate action in agriculture.
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