Notes to broadcasters on World Food Day

    | October 10, 2011

    Download this story

    Our story from Burkina Faso was written for Farm Radio Weekly to mark World Food Day on October 16th. This year’s theme is “Food prices − from crisis to stability.” The story tells how a group of farmers are struggling to maintain minimum prices in the face of subsidized imports. Read more about one of the partners mentioned in the story at: http://uniterra.ca/who-are-we/partners-profiles/comite-interprofessionnel-du-riz-du-burkina-cirb/?page=0

    In 1979, the United Nations designated October 16 as a day to raise awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger. Read more at the main World Food Day website, which has lots of information, resources, links and downloads: http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/

    Further facts and figures on food security, available by country, are available here:  http://www.fao.org/hunger/en/ .

    You might also want to refer back to the four stories we published for last year’s World Food Day, when we asked writers across Africa to invite farmers to respond to the question, “How do you feel about World Food Day?” Go to: http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/

    Broadcasters can check to see if the UN, NGOs or other organizations are planning events to mark the day in their region, and produce a program around the event. This is a good opportunity to broadcast a program which highlights and values farmers, their place in rural communities, and the essential services they provide. It is also a chance for farmers to network, link with local organizations and policy-makers, and bring their concerns to light. Maybe you could organize a round-table discussion that brings farmers and key organizations together to discuss hunger, rising food prices, climate change, and how to improve agricultural production. Or consider inviting a farmer to speak to a local politician or policy-maker on-air. Please let us know about your programs and we will feature you in a future issue!