Nelly Bassily | March 28, 2011
People who live near international borders often benefit in interesting ways. When the countries involved have a good mutual understanding, their people can move easily across borders, and often buy and sell with little restriction. The improved relationship between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has opened up many opportunities for informal cross-border trade. As our story shows, it has also provided opportunities for farming, and work to supplement farm incomes.
Another recent story from Rwanda on cross-border trade:
http://www.rnanews.com/regional/3618-rwanda-drc-business-booms-as-guns-fall-silent-special-report
Farm Radio International has produced many scripts on small-scale enterprise, ways to earn extra income, and marketing. Browse the archive here: http://farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/enterprise.asp
Recent Farm Radio Weekly news stories on enterprise and marketing from the Rwanda and DRC region include:
Rwanda: Ban on plastic bags creates new market for banana bags (FRW 94, January 2010).
http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/01/11/3-rwanda-ban-on-plastic-bags-creates-new-market-for-banana-bags-syfia-grands-lacs-spore/
Rwanda: Fodder more profitable than food crops (FRW 116, June 2010).
http://weekly.farmradio.org/2010/06/21/2-rwanda-fodder-more-profitable-than-food-crops-syfia-grands-lacs/
DR Congo: Marketing by motorcycle (FRW 140, January 2011).
http://weekly.farmradio.org/2011/01/10/dr-congo-marketing-by-motorcycle-syfia-grands-lacs/
If you broadcast to an area near a border, or your programs reach across borders, you could produce a feature on the advantages and disadvantages of living near borders for local residents. Talk to a range of people, including farmers, traders and business people. Ask how easy it is to cross into the neighbouring country, how often people go, and why. Does proximity to a border affect daily life, or is it not noticeable?