Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has received a small grant from Omni Agrik Specialties Ltd to implement a Project titled ‘Strengthening Capacity of Journalists in Kaduna on Reporting Food Security’.
The project is aimed at equipping select journalists to understand the concept of Food Security and explore the linkages between insecurity and food production, by highlighting these threats and the impact, and demand drastic action from relevant stakeholders, especially the government, which has the responsibility of securing lives and the means of livelihood of its citizens.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
A recent report by the World Food Programme has revealed that Nigeria and 22 other countries across the globe would experience acute food insecurity over the next four months. The report attributed the imminent acute food insecurity to conflicts, economic repercussions of COVID-19 and climate crises in these countries which it tagged as “hunger hotspots”.
In Nigeria, farmer-herder attacks have continued to pose a great setback on food production especially in the middle belt region, coupled with the effects of Boko Haram, banditry and Kidnappings in the North west and North East Regions.
For fear of being kidnapped, many farmers have deserted their farmlands, while some farmers have had their farm produce destroyed by cattle or harvested by bandits. This has resulted in low agricultural output with a resultant effect of food insecurity. This no doubt comes with a ripple effect of famine and consequently malnutrition amongst children.
While farmers await interventions from security agencies, government and development partners, it is important that the media plays its role in amplifying these issues and continue to draw attention of relevant stakeholders to the risks faced by large- and small-scale farmers and what it portends for food security and economic growth in the near future.
THE WORKSHOP
The workshop will focus on reporting food security in Kaduna, with emphasis on how at-risk communities, especially women and youth who live in the region, are coping/responding to challenges and pressures.
The workshop is intended to provide an opportunity for journalists to interact with food security and media experts, as well as help them understand the landscape and how best to report on the issue.
- The workshop will hold in Kaduna, Nigeria on 3rd November, 2021.
- All sessions will be conducted in English
- Print, online, radio and television journalists are all encouraged to apply.
- We highly encourage applications from female journalists.
PREREQUISITES FOR APPLICANTS
Interested applicants must:
- Be journalists reporting/working in Kaduna
- Not be above 30 years old.
- Commit to full attendance at the workshop.
- Demonstrate previous experience reporting on any beat. Food Security related topic is not necessary, but is an added advantage.
- Be able to understand and communicate in English.
- Commit to publishing/airing at least 3 stories during the 6 months project implementation period. Participants must also submit their stories to be republished on AMDF’s website. So, alert your editor(s) that AMDF will be republishing your reporting in full.
- Submit a letter from their editor/media outlet supporting their application.
- Freelancers are welcome to apply, but must have a letter of support from a media organization that will publish or broadcast their stories.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- You must submit two samples of story links to relevant reports. You’ll be asked to upload these once you start the application process, so please get them ready beforehand.
- The FORM will inform you that your application has been submitted/recorded. You might not receive email confirmation.
- Applications submitted after the deadline time and date will not be considered.
- For further inquiries, please contact Sekyen via phone: +234 (0) 809 089 9927, or email: sdadik@amdf-centre.org
To Apply for participation, kindly fill the application form here.
Application Deadline: 15th OCTOBER, 2021 at 4pm (Nigerian Time).
ABOUT AFRICA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (AMDF)
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organisation that provides professional support to journalists and sustainable development initiatives. The organisation also defends press freedom.
Over the years, AMDF has trained and mentored journalists in Advocacy and development journalism, as well as supported investigative reporting trips to various locations. Annually, AMDF organises major activities including Media Clinic, Bagauda Kaltho Memorial Media Lecture, Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ) and AMDF Journalist of the Year Awards.
ABOUT OMNI AGRIK SPECIALTIES LTD
Omni Agrik Specialties Ltd is an Agricultural Consultancy firm based in Kaduna, Nigeria. It strives to understand the various agricultural value chains so as to unlock the potentials that will improve the income and quality of life of the actors and consumers. It seeks to unravel the matrix of the value chains and how they impact on the quality, affordability and availability of food for the people.
Omni Agrik interacts with the various actors such as the input suppliers, farmers, aggregators, market women, processors and consumers to understand activities and the trends. It juxtaposes these activities with government policies and also scientific facts on nutrition and well being to bring about valuable discourse and conclusions.
