Abstract

INADES-formation Cameroon, a member of a network of similar organizations, helps young farmers to understand the impact of social change and teaches them the use of technological innovations. This project will enable the organization to consolidate and diversify the information and popularization services already in place as a result of phase I. Researchers will develop a variety of teaching methods and aids aimed at literate and illiterate people who speak several different languages and who live in very different agro-climatic zones. It will increase the output of written teaching materials; improve the competence of its trainers in designing and using audio-visual equipment for information dissemination; and, extend its radiophonic audience, particularly among the illiterate.

Post-Project Summary

Two program officers were recruited on a full-time basis for the duration of the project. The first was responsible for production of audiovisual teaching aids, production of the weekly radio program, "Rural Rendez-vous," and organization of farmers' exchange visits. Audiovisual production continued to be inadequate to meet the demand by trainers. On the other hand, targets related to radio production were met 100%, with 26 programs and 52 broadcasts aired from CRTV Bameda and 26 programs and 104 broadcasts aired from CRTV Buea. The quality of the radio programming was rated "good" to "excellent" by station staff. Four exchange visits involving 60 farmers took place (six visits were planned). Increased enrolment in courses and seminars for farmers was attributed, at least in part, to the exchanges. The second program officer was responsible for consolidating the documentation centre, publishing the quarterly magazine, "Rural Development Review," and preparing "question-answer" booklets based on interactions between trainers and farmers. Significant progress was made in classifying, shelving and acquiring new books for the documentation centre. Fifty-two people were reported to have used the centre in 18 months. Five out of the eight issues of "Rural Development Review" were published. Problems related to the quality and the distribution of the magazine were experienced. Four out of the five "question-answer" booklets planned were produced in draft form by the end of the project. They covered health and nutrition, animal husbandry, plant pests and diseases, and methods of crop production, respectively. Work continued in a third phase.

Recipient Institution(s)