Off the Grid but in the Know: Advancement through Interactive Radio
No Access Until
Permanent Link(s)
Collections
Other Titles
Author(s)
Abstract
Solution Scenario Concept: Many rural communities in Africa still do not have reliable cellular or electrical service, thus members of these communities cannot meaningfully use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to aid advancement. In addition, women in rural communities face gendered barriers to the access and use of ICT-based development initiatives. The AIR (Advancement through Interactive Radio) project seeks to advance women in rural agricultural communities by adding interactivity to community radio. AIR gives community radio listeners, especially women, a voice with which to respond to development programming (such as agricultural extension programs), as well as a mechanism to participate in the creation of programming content. The AIR project is based upon the premise, grounded in development communications theory, that enabling women to publically articulate what they know, and what they wish to know, will advance community development strategies and increase the stature of women in the community. This objective is widely acknowledged as a key component to sustainable development.