The Contribution of Radio in Promoting Agricultural Activities in Rural Tanzania: A Case of Radio Nyemo FM in Dodoma Rural District.

This study assessed the Contribution of Radio in Promoting Agricultural Activities in Rural Tanzania particularly Radio Nyemo FM in Dodoma Rural District. This study was guided by three specific objectives; to determine whether Radio Nyemo FM addresses the needs of the farming community in Dodoma Rural District, to examine the competence of the resource persons used in Radio Nyemo FM programming and to examine the appropriateness of the time and frequency of the Radio Nyemo FM programme. The study employed a descriptive research design to study the contribution of Radio Nyemo FM in Promoting Agricultural Activities in Rural Tanzania particularly Dodoma Rural District. The researcher used questionnaire to obtain information from 91 small-scale farmers and in depth interview to obtain information from key informants. The findings revealed that 67% small scale farmers listen to Radio Nyemo FM using own language, about 70% are aware on farming practices, and 56% access more farming opportunities. It was reported that 63% agreed the programme to be informative and 55% agreed that the programme provide knowledge on the type of farm inputs to apply and 57% agreed that the programme provide skills to maintain products in the farm. Furthermore, Time and Frequency of the Radio Nyemo FM Programme 58% agreed that the time the programme aired is appropriate; 41% agreed that sufficient time was allocated for the programme; 57% language used was helpful in communicating agricultural information; 55% said the richness of the language attracted them more to listen to the programme. Thus, Radio Nyemo FM through Agricultural programme fulfills the requirements of the farmers by broadcasting precise and relevant agricultural information