Majawa Shines in FRI Awards

The Acting Station Manager for Chanco Community Radio and Chanco TV, Sakina Majawa, has won this year’s George Atkinson Communication Award, which is run by Farm Radio International (FRI). Majawa has scooped the award following her exceptional skills in the production of farmers’ radio programmes in which she incorporates local songs, drama and poetry among other things to drive home a particular message.

Speaking at a ceremony organised to present her with the award on 16th February 2023 at Chanco Community Radio studios, Majawa said she was very excited and felt motivated to put extra effort in the production of her programmes.

“It is motivating to win such a prestigious award. I will engage an extra gear so that listeners can have solutions to whatever problems they may be facing in their farming activities through my programmes,” Majawa said.

Farm Radio Networking Officer for Malawi, Dr Patrick Mphaka, expressed his joy over a Malawian winning the award which saw entries from over 40 African countries.

“The last time a Malawian won this award was in 2014. It is exciting to have a Malawian getting the award again after such a long time,” Mphaka said. He further emphasized on the need for journalists to strive to be very impactful in their productions by producing programs and writing stories that are relevant to the audience.

“Broadcasters should ensure that the content they are airing is timely. They should not just air programmes just as a matter of ­filling airtime but should consider what information farmers need at a particular time. Otherwise it is just a waste of time,” advised Mphaka.

Majawa is among two other awardees, one of whom is from Tanzania and the other from Togo.

The George Atkins Communication Award is a yearly award which recognizes broadcasters who produce content that directly responds to small-scale farmers’ needs. Since its establishment in 1991, Majawa is the third Malawian to win this award.