ABSTRACT
Farmer Voice Radio (FVR) initiated consortia in four African countries that use new forms of agricultural radio programs, combined with the power of mobile phones, to make the traditionally one-way medium into a two-way interactive platform that ensures meaningful feedback. Much of the learning and experience described in this case study focuses on “baking in” sustainability right from the beginning as well as discovering innovative ways of introducing course corrections that will prove useful to others. FVR has learned that true collaboration arises only when stakeholders at all levels plan collectively and embrace the value of in-flight corrections. Technology-based feedback mechanisms can prove expensive and complex, yet simpler feedback mechanisms can raise concerns about data quality. For this reason, delivery systems using broadcast media such as radio must aggregate feedback to learn from audience responses, even if audience members tend to expect personalized responses to their individual feedback. External support can impede fully honest collaboration when one party’s budget depends on another party’s funding. Long-term sustainability requires innovative strategic thinking, scrupulous avoidance of buying short-term gains with unsustainable operational support, and more time than most donors are willing to invest.
