In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change in rural Zimbabwe, Radio Bukalanga has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the University of Reading to launch the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) program.

This innovative program has been providing farmers with climate-smart tips and best practices to increase productivity throughout the agricultural cycle—from pre-season planning to post-season management.

🎙️ Ntjenjevu weVula:

Before the farming season begins, we invite farmers to share their successes and experiences from the previous season. During this period, farmers focus on preparing for the next season.

Farmers familiar with PICSA are asked to share how they plan for the upcoming season and the strategies they have used successfully. All this is shared during a 45-minute radio program dubbed Ntjenjevu Wevula, loosely translated as “The Wise Farmer” in the local Tjikalanga language.

During the farming season, we bring together farmers and extension officers on radio to discuss how their activities are faring and how they can improve, guided by PICSA recommendations.

The PICSA program focuses on the following areas to support farmers:

🌽 Crops: Providing farmers with expert advice on crop selection, planting, and management to optimize yields and reduce losses.

🐄 Livestock: Offering guidance on livestock management, including breeding, feeding, and disease prevention, to enhance productivity and reduce mortality rates.

💰 Livelihoods: Supporting farmers in diversifying their income streams, improving market access, and developing sustainable livelihood strategies.

📋 Planning Activities: Training farmers to plan their activities using tools like the Resource Allocation Map (RAM), Seasonal Calendar, and Crop Matrix. These tools help farmers make informed, climate-adapted decisions to achieve better yields or income stability.

📡 Overcoming Information Barriers

The program overcomes information barriers by connecting farmers with experts and encouraging meaningful contributions through:

📻 Radio broadcasts to share expert advice and farmer experiences.

📱 Mobile phone messaging for real-time updates and engagement.

🌾 Farmer field schools for practical, hands-on training.

These communication channels, combined with the broad reach of Radio Bukalanga, make the program accessible and effective.

🌟 Harvesting Resilience

By empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills to adapt to climate change, the PICSA program aims to improve agricultural productivity, reduce poverty, and enhance food security in the region.

By providing climate-smart agricultural advice, we are helping farmers increase their yields, reduce their losses, and improve their livelihoods. The PICSA program is a testament to the power of partnerships and collaboration in driving positive change in the agricultural sector.

By working together, Radio Bukalanga, the WFP, and the University of Reading are making a tangible impact on the lives of farmers and their communities.