Why It Works

Radio & Multi-media: a lifeline for the remote and illiterate

Without reliable phones, Internet, television, electricity or the ability to read, communities in marginalized urban and rural areas of developing countries regularly miss out on news of changes, problems or threats to their communities, such as emergencies, diseases like HIV/AIDS, human trafficking and nearby conflict. Or, they simply don't get the news in time to save lives.

Isolated communities also miss out on basic everyday information, such as where to get the best prices for their goods or proven low-cost ways to produce more food and protect their crops, how to teach children in school, or how to protect their children from dangers such as trafficking and disease.

A wealth of great materials exists on topics such as health, HIV/AIDS, education, food security and income generation — thanks to many development projects. However, many of these resources never reach those who are the most isolated and who need it most.

Millions of people simply fall beyond the ability of development programs and other government or local efforts to reach them.

Likewise, a goldmine of indigenous knowledge and best practice exists, untapped, among remote or isolated communities that are unable to make their voices heard.

Why radio (& multi-media) is so effective in developing countries?

"Even the shoeless have transistor radios... "

- Radio Soleil

800 Million Radios: An average of one in 10 people in developing countries are estimated to have a radio.

Source: Developing Countries
Farm Radio Network (DCFRN)