Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa

Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa (RFPA) is a large-scale, collaborative project that enables African broadcasters to exploit radio as a tool for peace. Using training manuals and workshops, the project augments broadcasters' knowledge of various peacebuilding techniques; these efforts are monitored by surveys in order to ensure their efficacy. RFPA also distributes exemplary programs that have successfully applied these techniques and contributed to positive social change. Over fifty broadcasters in twenty sub-Saharan countries currently participate in RFPA.

About Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa
In Africa, radio is by far the most effective method of communication, and therefore of bringing about changes in knowledge, attitude and behavior. Yet in many cases, broadcasters make no attempt to find common ground or to encourage non-adversarial approaches, often simply because they are unaware of these techniques. Many believe that audiences find conflict sexy and problem-solving boring. Raising awareness of radio's power for peacebuilding, and of techniques to promote peace, can rectify this situation.

These techniques are not limited to the field of news journalism. In fact, audiences in conflict zones often tire of endless speeches, political debates and news of more violence. Instead, listeners often seek solace in radio drama, music programs and light entertainment. Applying peacebuilding techniques within these formats is a highly effective method of creating social change.

Radio for Peacebuliding, Africa helps sub-Saharan radio broadcasters develop their ability to constructively influence conflict. By facilitating training workshops and publishing manuals, RFPA highlights various peacebuilding methods that have shown to be effective. These include avoiding certain language that tends to inflame tensions, treating all sides' suffering as equally newsworthy and humanizing involved parties through drama. RFPA also monitors the application of these techniques in the real world in order to determine which strategies work in which contexts.

Further information
For more information about the project, download peacebuilding training manuals, and to download further sample radio broadcasts, please visit the RFPA home page (login required).

Audio from Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa
Taken from the Kenyan program "Reconciliation through the media," part of RFPA's Another Africa series. Dialogue in English. Running time: 3 min.

More RFPA radio broadcasts can be found on the official website (login required).