-Cameroon Link committed to the principles of sharing knowledge and giving voice:

By James Achanyi-Fontem, camlinknews

Cameroon Link is commited to the principles of sharing knowledge. It is within this context that it decided to undertake a project to create a Farm Radio FM station in Grand Hangar-Bonaberi, Douala City neighbourhood. The project took off and the building construction started lzst year. We use this opportunity to inform you about the guide lines of our principles which include: - TO HARNESS THE POWER OF RADIO TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF FARMERS - To poll farmers to gather their opinions on agricultural policy and present to listeners. - To produce radio programmes to connect farmers and NGOs with the beneficiaries of their work. - To publish issues on Cameroon Link Farm Radio that delivers news on articles, script packages and farmer stories to the inboxes of broadcasters. - To organize weekly radio courses on various issues with more than 100 participants from all regions of Cameroon. - To Support the fight against Ebola and other diseases that affect farmers. - To thank farmers who feed us through Farmers’ radio campaigns and encourage social media. - To commit to serving small-scale farmers by sharing practical advice through the production and distribution of radio programmes and news stories, because knowledge transforms live. - To empower farmers and rural communities to tackle a variety of development challenges, from producing more food and protecting the local environment, to promoting good health and generating more economic opportunities. - To encourage Farming families to have a stronger voice in their own development and opportunities to express their views, talk about their challenges and prospects, connect with each other, and make their needs and priorities known. In the past, radio couldn’t do much to enable this dialogue. Activity sheet Cameroon Link Farm Radio project is to serve millions of small-scale farmers in Cameroon by airing participatory radio programs that are engaging and impactful, helping listeners to make informed decisions about adopting more productive and sustainable agricultural practices. Many small-scale farmers tune in for the opportunity to share their own questions, experiences and knowledge and to hear from other farmers, trusting the experience of their peers. Broadcasters reach out to their audience in a variety of ways. In addition to field visits and call-in programs, broadcasters can gain valuable insight from community listening groups. Many farmers meet regularly to listen to the radio together, sharing their experiences and opinions with each other. Program producers will often contact community listening groups for feedback on the program, and to provide these farmers with the opportunity to share their viewpoints with a wider audience. Participatory radio programs will feature phone-in or text-in segments, during which farmers can have their questions answered or comments heard. STRENGTHENING THE VOICE of farm radio broadcasters Broadcasters play a central role in bringing about change for farmers, their families and rural communities. They understand their audience’s information needs and, through research and interviews, air engaging programming that meets these needs. Farming families eat much of what they grow. This makes farm radio show a perfect platform to provide families with information about nutrition. Families can increase the amount of key nutrients in their diet by planting protein-rich varieties of traditional crops or eating all parts of the plants they grow, including the vitamin-rich leaves. Putting gender ON AIR Women are an important voice in any discussion of small-scale agriculture, but are often missed by traditional extension services. Reaching women farmers via radio poses its own challenges, as women often do not have access to radios and cell phones — tools necessary to hear a broadcast and call in to a station. Thanks to the ingenuity and support of broadcasters, a variety of techniques have been developed to ensure women are heard and valued on air. Women-only phone lines have helped to ensure women’s voices can be shared on air as frequently as men’s voices. Community listening groups encourage women to gather to listen to a radio program and support each other in their work. Women make an important contribution to farming in Cameroon. They grow food for their families or to sell, with their income contributing to household expenses such as school and medical fees. Cameroon Link Farm Radio project includes women and men at all stages to ensure broadcasters are meeting the information needs of both female and male listeners. It also encourages on-air discussions of issues important to women. RAISING THE VOICE of farmers Small-scale farmers make an important contribution to the economy of Cameroon. They are responsible for 75 per cent of agricultural production in the country. Yet farmers often feel their voices are not being heard and their needs are not being met by policy-makers. CAMLINK BOARD GOVERNANCE POLICY Cameroon Link is governed by a board of directors elected for five-year terms. In the board meetings we: • Review CAMLINK strategic direction; • Draft organizational and program policies as required for the consistent application of CAMLINK vision, mission and values; • Approve the annual operating plan and budget, and review achievements of the last annual operating plan; and • Review the performance of CAMLINK executive members. All members participate in the work of at least one board-level committee. Some also volunteer their skills for specific tasks under the direction of our executive presiden. During 2017-2018, the board took on the following additional initiatives: • Approved new corporate vision, mission and tagline statements; • Revised CAMLINK strategic intentions and five-year goals; • Developed guidelines for selection of agricultural improvements for impact projects; • Developed finance-related project ‘limits’ to clarify when new projects require board-level approval; • Developed new terms of reference for board committees and established a Finance, Audit and Risk Committee; • Reviewed and approved a new management structure; • Approved a gender equity policy for CAMLINK, its work and partners; • Achieved an agreement with Executive President, James Achanyi Fontem, for a new five-year contract.