Nelly Bassily | July 29, 2013
Welcome to Farm Radio Weekly issue #255! This week, we take you on a whirlwind tour of Africa, with stops in Cameroon, South Africa, and Congo-Brazzaville. FRW staff chose these three stories as some of our favourites over the past year, and we think they’re good enough for a second time around.
In Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, farmer Pascaline Ndongo set up shop in a special Christmas market where farmers sell directly to consumers. Initially, she brought only a small number of yams, just in case. But by mid-afternoon, her yams were sold out, and she was vowing to return for the next seasonal market. Her earnings allowed her to buy toys and clothes as Christmas gifts for her children.
Moving on to South Africa, we hear the story of Mrs. Sindisiwe Sabela, a physically challenged farmer who is living proof that disability does not mean inability. Mrs. Sabela, a survivor of childhood polio, now spends most of her time in the field, growing tomatoes, chilies and green peppers. She and four other women operate a successful co-operative, selling high-quality produce to hotels and supermarkets, employing local people, and selling low-cost produce to locals.
Our final stop is Congo-Brazzaville, where Nelie Mouloumou celebrates a first – she is planting crops on her own land! Ms. Mouloumou is an indigenous woman who, following the death of her husband 10 years ago, worked as a farm labourer. The conditions of employment were tough, the pay was low, and Ms. Mouloumou felt humiliated. With her own crops, Ms. Mouloumou hopes to earn enough to build a brick house for her and her children.
Not a Barza member yet? Scroll down to this week’s Farm Radio Action section to find out how to sign up. Discover all the great things you can do as a member of this social network for African broadcasters.
We hope you enjoy this “best of” issue. We’ll be back with fresh stories next week.
Happy reading!
-The Farm Radio Weekly Team