ADARS FM Farm Radio Green Leaf Magazine:

AICCRA
Episode 02

Station: ADARS FM Host: Gideon Kwame Sarkodie Osei

Program: Green Leaf Program
Radio Program Green Leaf Magazine Producer: Gideon Kwame Sarkodie
Design:
Date/Time of 14/07/2023 Technician: Nana Sarpong
Broadcast: 8pm-9pm
Topic: Maize Planting

Communicatio At the end of this program, farmers will be able to select stress tolerant maize varieties for cultivation.
n Objective(s):
Core Messages:
Introduction
Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) led by the International Institute of Tropical
Agriculture (IITA) in Ghana is working with partners to deliver climate information services and climate-smart
agriculture technologies to farmers. The project is also building a One-health platform to fight the outbreak of
pests and diseases that attack crops.

AICCRA Ghana builds local capacity through the promotion of innovations in agriculture in addition to ensuring
that women are benefiting from Climate Smart Technologies and Climate Information Services in a gender
transformative manner. The work of AICCRA Ghana and its network of partners, are now using validated
climate-smart advisories and innovations to make informed farming decisions. AICCRA Ghana bolsters the
livelihoods of resource-poor farmers across Ghana and supports greater food security in the country through a
partnership-led approach to improve farmers' access to climate information services and the technology and
innovation that underpins climate-smart agriculture.

Objectives of the Program

This radio program is to:
Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) with the goal of providing better 'Climate
Information Services' (CIS) - the collating, analyzing, packaging and distributing of weather and climate related
information to inform decision making to improve the socio-economic well-being and resilience of smallholder
farmers, particularly women, in Ghana to increase production, increase farmer profitability, enhance
environmental protection and improve sustainability.

How Farmers and Other Value Chain actors will Participate in the Program
The program will use various radio formats such as interviews, vox pops, dramas, debates, group discussion,
phone-ins, quiz competition and phone-outs to capture voices of farmers and other actors along the value
chain.

Stations and Start of Program

This radio program will start by mid-July, 2023. The stations involved are as follows:
Adars FM, Asta FM, Radio Savannah, Nabiina FM, Lawra FM, Radio Bongo, Ahomka FM and Radio Central.

Duration of Program
The program will run for 5 months – 20 episodes.

Expectation of Listeners
It is expected that the program willprovide information on the adoption of AICCRA innovative technologies,
promote Good Agronomic Practices for selected value chains and provide climate information services to
increase production, increase farmer profitability, enhance environmental protection and improve
sustainability.

Project Partners
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet),
Esoko and District and Municipal departments of Agriculture.

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following partners: Crops Research Institute of
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana
Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal departments of Agriculture.

Duratio Item Details Format Who

n
30 secs Sig Tune Fade up and under Tape Technician/
Producer

Host: Welcome to another episode of our Green Leaf Program, a Green

2 mins. Intro Leaf Farm Radio Magazine brought to you by ADARS 107.7 FM. This Live Host/Host
program will provide information on the adoption of AICCRA innovative
technologies promote Good Agronomic Practices for selected value chains
and provide climate information services to increase production, increase
farmer profitability, enhance environmental protection and improve
sustainability.

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following

partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

A good land preparation ensures cowpea root development, aeration,

proper nutrient uptake etc leading to higher yield. At the end of tonight’s
episode of the show, our Let’s Get Farming segment will tells us Proper
land preparation for cowpea cultivation. Then, This week's episode of
Digging Deep will discuss the issue of Good land preparation and planting
practices in maize production.

My name is Gideon Kwame Sarkodie Osei

Host: We have very interesting segments every week that gives you the most
important information and education you need. We have the News segment
will give us news on agriculture and other information affecting farmers. It will
also share drama addressing specific gender issues.

Host: We will also be having ‘Your Weather Your Markets: This segment
helps farmers make optimal decisions based on predicted weather and
market opportunities. It also links farmers with buyers, sellers, and service
providers.

There is “Have Your Say”. This segment gives listeners an opportunity for
them to share their experiences, opinions, and questions. Partners
Corner segment will acknowledge sponsors and other key partners of this
program.

And also, Let’s Get Farming which provides small-scale farming women
and men with education about general “best farming practices” including
new practices.

We also have the Digging Deep segment and this segment is about
supporting listeners in taking up one or several specific improved
practices that provide an attractive and realistic solution to a problem that
farmers have identified.

Host: Make sure you have your mobile phone handy and charged up! We
will also give you the opportunity leave your questions and comments on
various issues.

Host: These and more are all available on this show every week.

Host: But first up – let’s get an understanding of what to expect at the Green
Leaf News..

GL News Tape Technician/

GL News Sound Mark
Sound Producer

Good evening and welcome to News segment. This segment will give us
Intro news on agriculture and other information affecting farmers. Live Host

News
Bulletin 1. https://myjoyonline.com/farmers-need-technology-to-survive-the- Live Newscaster or
impact-of-climate-change-dr-kanangire Host/Host
3 mins. 2. https://wire.farmradio.fm/farmer-stories/confronted-by-climate-
change-farmers-share-their-challenges-and-solutions/

Host: And that’s this week’s edition of the Green Leaf News.
Extro Live Host
 GL News GL News Soundmark
Soundmark

6 mins. YWYM Intro Host: Welcome back to the name of the Green Leaf program from your Live Host
number one station ADARS FM radio station. We now move on to the next
segment. Your Weather, Your Markets.

YWYM YWYM Weather YWYM

Host: Welcome to the weather report. Let’s get over to Madam Francisca
Martey, Deputy Director and Head of Research in Applied Meteorology
Ghana Meteorological Agency to tell us , when the JJA dry spell of the
released by the GMeT earlier this year, after which I will brief read to you
the daily forecast for this evening.

Play Recorded interview with GMeT on JJA dry spell.

Host: Now, here is your daily weather forecast, this forecast is released by
the GMeT.

YWYM Market –
Live OR Tape Host &host
Host: Now it’s time to share with you the commodities and prices from
selected markets including:

(List other commodities relevant to your location)

YWYM Extro Host: “That’s this week’s episode of YWYM, Now we’ll hear Partners’ Live Host &Host
Corner - special reports from our sponsors.

Host: Welcome back to the Green Leaf program, a Green Leaf Farm
LGF Intro Radio Magazine by ADARS FM. Next up, Let’s Get Farming. Today on LGF, Live Host
we will like Mr. Gyenin to briefly tell us what to do in preparation for the
major maize harvest. Proper land preparation for cowpea cultivation.

Host: Mr. Gyenin, welcome to the program, please, how do we properly

LGF prepare land for the cultivation of cowpea? Tape talk, mini Host & Guest
doc OR studio
This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following interview
partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
8 mins.
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

Host: That’s this week’s episode of Let’s Get Farming and Mr. Gyenin just
LGF Extro told us how to properly prepare land for the cultivation of cowpea? Live Host

3 mins. Partners Partners Corner provides you with information about the products and Live Host
Corner services of companies that want to do business with you.  Partners Corner
segments are paid advertisements.

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following

partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

DD Intro Host: It is time for the segment “Digging Deep.’’ The time to plant maize Debate, Q&A, Host & Guest
depends on the agroecology. Before planting, it is advisable to obtain the Panel or mini-
climatic information advisory such as seasonal rainfall, cessation, and dry drama
spell from the GMet to know when the rains and other weather conditions
will favour planting. The information obtained from GMet will help the
farmer choose the best maize variety (drought, early maturing, pest and
disease) tolerance. Land preparation is an important activity in producing
improved maize varieties. Before planting maize, it is advisable to
properly prepare the land . We visited our farmers at Agyegyemakunu to
find out from them, how they prepare land and plant maize for maximum
yield. After which we will have Mr. Gyenin from the Kintampo South MoFA
20 mins. in the studio to tell us more about why the need for stress tolerant maize
varieties.

a). Field interview with farmers

Live Host &Host
1. How do you best prepare you land for maize planting?
2. Do you conduct germination test before planting, if yes, how
do you conduct the test?
3. How do you plant maize, in rows, broadcasting and why?
DD Play recorded Focus Group Discussion with farmers at
Agyegyemakunu.

Host: That was farmers from Agyegyemakunu discussing how to properly

prepare land, test seed germination and plant maize, in the studio is Mr.
Gyenin from the Kintampo North MoFA in the studio to tell us more about
the topic

Thank you for coming Mr. Gyenin.

b) . Interview Guide: to Mr. Gyenin

1. Why is land preparation so important for maize farming?

2. What is the effective way of preparing land for maize plantinf?

3. Why does a farmer need to conduct germination test before planting

maize, and when should you conduct the test?

4. What is the best method for planting maize, in rows, broadcasting, and
why?

Host: Thank you Mr. Gyenin.

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following

partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

That was this week’s episode of Digging Deep. Thank you to our guest Mr.
DD Extro Gyenin Kwabena for that wonderful discussion Next week, we will discuss Live Host
how to obtain/ select stress (drought, pest, and disease)-tolerant maize
varieties.

HYS
15 mins. Soundmark Tape Technician/
HYS Soundmark
Producer

HYS Intro Host: Welcome back to name of program in local language Farmers
program a Green Leaf Magazine on your number one farmers’ radio Live Host &Host
station, name of radio station. Next is Have Your Say. This is the time we
give all farmers, women and men farmers alike the opportunity to ask
questions, make comments.

HYS Host: Have Your Say provides you the chance to share your views, raise
your concerns, ask your questions. Host &Host

Please call us to join the discussion live, we encourage women to call in as

well.
Call-in and give your expectations of the program 0200817047 or
0247699321

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following

partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

HYS Extro Host: That’s this week’s episode of Have Your Say. You are listening to the
Green Leaf Farm Radio Magazine on ADARS FM. HYS Extro

Host: And that brings us to the end of today’s episode.

2 mins. Live Host &Host
This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following
partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
 departments of Agriculture.

It has been an exciting episode with news, farming tips,

And our special guests for making this episode possible. To our cherished
farmers and those who contributed to the success of the show we say Ayekoo!

Host: Tune in next week Friday at 8pm for our exciting episode Green Leaf
Extro Farm Radio program. We will looking at the issue of soil nutrient management
in maize production in Digging Deep segment and will also Cowpea pests
management in our Let’s Get Farming segment.

But, before we part ways, here are some take home from this episode:

Proper land preparation for cowpea cultivation

A good land preparation ensures cowpea root development, aeration,

proper nutrient uptake etc leading to higher yield.

This can be obtained by:

- Clearing the field of sticks and shrubs with cutlass and axes before
ploughing

- Use a tractor to plough cowpea fields and later harrow with a harrow

Implement.

- Harrowing is done to level the field and break soil clumbs for easy seed

Germination.

- One can also use hoes to construct ridges before planting cowpea.

- The soil should be well loosen to give good germination of the cowpea
planted.

Good land preparation and planting practices in maize production.

When to Plant Maize

The time to plant maize depends on the agroecology. Before

planting, it is advisable to obtain the climatic information advisory
such as seasonal rainfall, cessation, and dry spell from the GMet to
know when the rains and other weather conditions will favour
planting. The information obtained from GMet will help the farmer
choose the best maize variety (drought, early maturing, pest and
disease) tolerance

2. Effective land preparation for maize planting

It is advisable to properly prepare the land: The method of land

preparation depends on the cropping history of the field.

Consider the following

• On land that has been fallowed for two years or more, practice
traditional land clearing techniques common in the community.

• On land which was cropped the previous year, slash with a cutlass
to ground level and plant directly into the resulting mulch.

• Avoid burning because the decaying weeds and crop residues act as
mulch for the maize crop.

• Plough and harrow if you have access to tractors or bullocks before

planting.

.Where spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) is a problem, up to two

ploughings and one harrowing or the use of glyphosate, followed by
plowing and harrowing is recommended.

• To reduce erosion on sloping fields, plough across the slope rather

than up and down the slope.

3. Conduct a germination test

After obtaining the improved seeds from an agro-input dealer,

farmers can conduct germination tests on their own to test the
viability of the seeds.

Conduct a germination test 10 days before sowing to prevent

problems arising from poor crop stand/establishment.

4.How to plant maize in rows

• Use a rope or sighting poles to mark the rows to enable you to plant
in line (Fig 3).
 • You will need at least 3 poles, but the more poles you use, the
straighter your rows will be. The sighting poles should be straight
and at least 2 metres long.

• Place one pole at each end of where the first row is to be and the
others in between but in line with the two end poles.

• Plant by walking in a straight line from pole to pole. As you pass

each pole, move it over one-row width so that it is in position for the
next row.

Plant at a distance of 75x45cm by

This radio program is sponsored by AICCRA together with the following

partners: Crops Research Institute of Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Development Studies (UDS),
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Esoko and District and Municipal
departments of Agriculture.

Host: My name is Gideon Kwame SarkodieOsei

Good bye, and see you next week.

30 secs Sig Tune Tape Technician/

Producer