Farm Radio Programming: A catalyst in addressing emerging issues in agricultural development (Proceedings Report of the Second Farm Radio Symposium, Lilongwe, Malawi)

Editor: Levi Zeleza Manda

Farm Radio: An effective tool for increasing access to agricultural extension messages by small scale farmers in Malawi (Proceedings Report of the First Farm Radio Symposium, Lilongwe, Malawi)

Editors: Stanley Khaila & Charles Masangano

Authors: Levi Zeleza Manda, Ellard Manjawira & Simbarashe Mungoshi

This is a full report of theTEVETA information, Education and Communication Study Report

Author: Levi Zeleza Manda

Abstract

In Malawi, the question as to what constitutes corruption has been clearly described in the Corrupt Practices Act and the literature by the Anticorruption Bureau (ACB) among other authorities. However, the question as to who, between men and women, among journalists, police officers, the clergy, politicians to mention just these categories is perceived to be more corrupt than the other, has not been seriously addressed. Through literature reviews and interviews with journalists and heads of public as well as private institutions, this study concludes that corrupt acts exist in Malawian society, especially in the form of bribes fraud, cheating, stealing, nepotism, overcharging, shady deals (madilu) and gratification.

The findings indicate that men are considered to be more corrupt than women, the middle-aged are deemed to be more corrupt than the old and young. Politicians top the list of corrupt people by profession and they are followed by police officers, civil servants, while teachers teachers come fourth. Judges and lawyers, bankers and religious leaders were considered the least corrupt in that order.

Key words: Corruption, Malawi, perception, Fraud, Bribes, Gratification

Author: Levi Zeleza Manda

Introduction

This is a report of a technical feasibility study, commissioned by UNESCO Harare, for the establishment of a community radio in the Lower Shire Valley. The precise terms of reference were to:

1. Look specifically into the social economic profile of the districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje showing the total population disaggregated by gender and age.
2. Provide the number of households
3. Provide a rough estimate of incomes by households
4. Ascertain the availability, suitability and accessibility of the building identified to house the community radio
5. Meet traditional and community leaders and ascertain their readiness to accept and run democratically the community radio
6. Quickly assess availability of educated people who could be elected into the radio’s management committees
7. Assess the availability of electricity and water within the area identified to house the community radio and
8. Assess the availability of technical staff within the community that could be called upon to maintain the station’s radio and transmitting equipment in case of breakdown.

Author: Levi Zeleza Manda

Executive Summary

Using extensive literature reviews, quantitative content analysis of program schedules, and focus group discussions, this study into Public Service Broadcasting in Malawi concludes that there was not much change from 2008 to 2009 in development programming at both MBC and TVM, whose development programming seems to lack strategic vision, mission, and measurable objectives.

The study also found that the time dedicated to development issues was very low for a country that is in serious need of development in all its manifestations.
In 2008 MBC Radio 1 dedicated to development content, 22.1% (7, 183 minutes) per month which went up by 1.8% to 23.9% (7,752 minutes) in 2009. In 2008 TVM allocated 3.9% (1,380 minutes) to development broadcasting which fell down by 0.4% to 3.5% (1,260 minutes) in 2009.

The study further concludes that development programming is treated like commercial programming. Programs are removed from the schedule as soon as sponsorship expires, regardless of whether or not the programs are important for and popular with listeners or viewers. Actually at MBC 1 sponsored programs constituted 6,052 minutes per month or 19% of the entire broadcast duration.
Development broadcasting content indicators were defined using Panos Southern Africa (PSAf)’s thematic areas, which are: HIV/AIDS, Media Development and Communication Technologies, Environment, natural resources and sustainable development, Governance and Development, Health, Vulnerable groups, and Gender and women empowerment and the seven or so priorities of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).

The study recommends that
a) The proposed merger between TVM and MBC should be hastened to create efficient Public Service Broadcasting management, editorial and production teams. The study also proposes that MBC’s departments of research, programs and the Development Broadcasting Unit (DBU) merge or at least work together to increase the volume and quality of development programming more cheaply as savings will be made on transport among other field expenses;
b) There is urgent need for the development of Public Service Broadcasting development broadcasting policy. The process should be consultative and participatory and in line with the constitution, the Communications Act (1998) and the PSB license conditions1. This policy will help in consolidated PSB budgeting and logistical planning;
c) The MBC and TVM should liaise with development research institutes, universities, the film unit of the Ministry of Information, the Agriculture Communications Branch, and development agencies which already do their own field filming, audio and video editing and store digital
photography which the two PSB institutions would benefit from to improve their development broadcasting programming; and
d) The wrangling between the DBU and Development Communications Trust (DCT) should be solved as a matter of urgency for the benefit of the people and radio listeners’ club members who want their development needs to be addressed, using radio as a channel. The two should actually complement each other’s work. The wrangling has also polarised development partners, who have been forced to choose either the DBU or DCT. Any party could initiate the proposed dialogue.