Agriculture is at the heart of African economies, with more than 85% percent of all Africans earning their living through agriculture. When crop yields are low or wiped out, farmers cannot sell their produce. Household income collapses, and farmers cannot feed their families and livestock. In times of flood, drought and conflict, millions suffer from malnutrition and face starvation.

Increasing agricultural productivity is one of the keys to reducing poverty and increasing food security. Farmers need information about new and alternative farming methods to increase crop yields and quality. They need ongoing education about modern planting techniques, safe use of pesticides and animal husbandry.

Radio information campaigns can make a huge difference to the lives of farmers. Rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa can be particularly remote: there is no electricity and batteries are expensive and difficult to come by. The self-powered Lifeline radio includes AM, FM, and short-wave bandwidths to reach farmers living in mountainous regions, or nomadic populations living in deserts.