Kathryn Burnham | September 19, 2016
Recently, the Canadian government decided to review its strategy for international development, and looked for input on what its priorities should be. In response, Farm Radio International turned to the airwaves to ask Tanzanians about their priorities for dealing with food security, gender equality, youth empowerment, and responding to climate change. FRI passed along the radio poll results so that Tanzanians’ feedback can help inform the Canadian government’s strategy.
Sara Masanja is from Shinyanga Vijijini in northern Tanzania. She was one of the 2,800 callers who responded to the poll. She left a message saying, “We produce a lot of crops, but we do not have the proper infrastructure to transport our crops to the market.”
Market access and better transportation were just some of the things callers said would help them to better feed themselves and their families.
Radio Free Africa and Radio Maria worked with Farm Radio International to conduct the poll, through an FRI service known as the Listening Post. During three weeks in June, a four-episode radio show asked listeners from across Tanzania four questions.
The Listening Post polls listeners and uses their feedback in later episodes of a program. The collected data is also shared with an NGO or other organization—or in this case, the Canadian government—who can then use the information to shape their own programming.
For this project, Farm Radio International worked with Voto Mobile to develop an interactive voice response service. Listeners were invited to call a number announced over the airwaves. The interactive voice response system announced the poll question of the week and the possible responses. Callers indicated their vote by pressing a number on the keypad.
Depending on their response, callers were asked follow-up questions and given the opportunity to record their comments. Broadcasters used these comments in later episodes of their radio program.
In total, 9,000 votes were recorded for four questions and 1,500 audio messages were collected.
What did they say? Many Tanzanians said they would like more investment in farming, fishing, and livestock keeping, as well as better education and training. They also indicated that the best way to help farmers was to improve access to markets and to training services.
Malaki is from Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam. He said, “Government should finance youth after finishing college so that they can start their business or farming enterprise.”
Listeners were asked which services would help them adapt to climate change. Daniel Fanuel is from Singida Region. He said, “To fight climate changes, we need to plant trees and preserve natural vegetation.” Many callers agreed with him. Treeplanting and drought-tolerant crops and seeds were the top responses for this question.
Callers were also asked what change would help women and girls enjoy an equal opportunity to meet their goals. Alehena S. Shirima is from Mashati Rombo. She said, “Government should look closely at and punish those who discriminate against women. Religious leaders should also educate people on equal rights.”
Both men and women indicated that the best way to advance gender equality is to strengthen laws and improve their enforcement. Venace Senge Tito is from Tabor. His advice was, “Enforce laws that allow women to own land.”
These responses were shared with the Government of Canada for their consideration when setting goals for international development. But they may also be useful to the broadcasters from Radio Free Africa and Radio Maria as they develop programming to meet their listeners’ needs.