IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL RADIO PROGRAMMES ON LIVELIHOODS OF FARMERS: THE CASE OF ROYAL FM IN BRONG-AHAFO REGION, GHANA

Abstract

The study examined the impact of Radio agricultural programmes on livelihoods of farmers in five districts and municipalities in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 198 farmers. The study showed that farmers had gained knowledge in various improved practices as a result of the Royal FM agricultural programme. Increase in knowledge has resulted in increased agricultural output and productivity leading to higher sustainable incomes. Majority of the farmers indicated that they were satisfied with the programme as it had improved the use of agricultural technologies in the area. It was also found out that the programme had impacted positively on the livelihoods of the farmers in the study areas. The impact of Royal FM agricultural programme was very high in Banda District and Wenchi Municipal. The study recommended the need for government to support agricultural radio programme to ensure its sustainability.