Throughout the Commonwealth, individuals and their communities continue to rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, all too many farmers remain unaware of scientific and technological breakthroughs that could result in enhanced crop yields, sustainable farming practices and more prosperity for themselves, their families and the community at large.
COL's HAM radio project aims at demonstrating how the livelihoods of farmers can be improved by providing them with an opportunity to exchange scientific and agricultural information, learning and local wisdom between themselves, extension officials, researchers and managers. To facilitate this process, low-cost communication technologies such as amateur radio (or HAM radio, licensed, two-way wireless communication) and audiocassette recorders are being mobilised to provide a wide range of knowledge/skill transfer. HAM radio is the communication technology of choice because it is simple, accessible and affordable and the most appropriate technology for economically, educationally and spatially disadvantaged rural, resource-poor, farming communities. With HAM equipment established in five villages and two research institutes in India, farmers and researchers are able to communicate with one another on a daily basis. As a result, farmers are able to obtain timely technical advice from participating agricultural workers and researchers. Likewise, the researchers are able to draw from the traditional wisdom of farmers.
Unlike broadcast radio, an audio-based technology, two-way HAM radio facilitates interactive communication - especially during states of emergency and natural disasters (cyclones, floods or earthquakes) when all other forms of communication fail. To further enhance the value of HAM radio, the project supplements wireless communications with edited audiocassette tape recordings with the intent of disseminating information to farming communities beyond the project area. Project sites are also being provided with whiteboards to inform villagers of agricultural issues pertaining to the HAM radio discussions. This initiative has successfully demonstrated how HAM radio could be employed to benefit subsistence farmers living in other developing countries.
HAM RADIO IS THE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY OF CHOICE
BECAUSE IT IS SIMPLE, ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE
AND THE MOST APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY FOR ECONOMICALLY,
EDUCATIONALLY AND SPATIALLY DISADVANTAGED RURAL,
RESOURCE-POOR, FARMING COMMUNITIES.
