Bridging the Communications Gap

This initiative uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) - that is, community radio - to facilitate information dissemination and communication in an area that is prone to conflict and suffers from extreme poverty and scarcity of natural resources. USAID helped create the 14 stations, which broadcast programmes on a range of issues in the community interest, including terrorism, religion, peace-building, voter education, democracy, decentralisation, women's empowerment, agriculture, natural resources management, health, education, and local and world news.

To facilitate this process, each community was given a comprehensive community radio package, including an FM radio transmitter, two-way communication radio transceiver, satellite receiver, television, satellite dish and VCR. Designed to create an instant multi-purpose communication centre, the packages allow stations to communicate with each other, broadcast pre-recorded messages via satellite, and play cassettes.

The communities also received training in technical operations and journalism, as well as guidance in how to set up radio theatre groups and youth listening clubs. To foster sustainability, the communities were also taught how to create management committees to oversee all aspects of the stations' administration and financing.

Technology.