Development Ratings

Improving access to developmental information: Up to 45% of the southern population benefit from information that reduces costs (free seeds & trees, less firewood needed), and increases income and self-sufficiency (earning schemes, improved farming techniques, drought resistant crops). Fuel efficient stoves benefited families by on average ~£53/year, or 2-6% of annual family income. Radio programme topics help improve health (by reducing dangerous newborn practices, advertising free services) and improve food availability (drought resistant crops), amongst other benefits (HIV awareness, encouragement to take literacy courses).

Improving sustainable agricultural practices: Radio broadcasts and direct field officer programmes help spread appropriate information to improve long-term farming practices.

Improved nutrition: Drought conditions reduce food availability and quality. This particularly affects children, through stunted growth and reduced resistance to infections. Helping provide consistent nutrition through improved farming practices improves physical and intellectual development for some 3-500,000 children and young people in the benefited families.