Rural Networks
Goals
Presentation
As the mainstay of the country's economy, agriculture has been identified by the Cambodian government as one of the four development priorities. Rural populations, affected as they are by the impact of global warming, need to adapt and to develop new agricultural techniques.
Rural Connections aims to improve the information available to these populations – and to young people in particular – in the areas of agriculture and sustainable development by improving the capacity of journalists and journalism students to cover such topics and by promoting the production and dissemination of content, especially via radio stations, online videos and social media.
Revamped and better quality information will serve to provide young people living in rural areas with new prospects within their communities, in particular by encouraging the development of emerging initiatives in agroecology, a promising avenue in terms of income, health and autonomy.
Project beneficiaries
- Around one hundred media professionals, drawn especially from local media outlets or outlets specialising in the coverage of rural and social issues.
- Around thirty journalism students.
Files to download
Actions
Initial forum devoted to the media treatment of rural, agricultural and environmental issues
Assessment of the current situation, solutions and overview of the Rural Connections project.
Cambodia: how can we develop rural information in the media?
Development of a specific training module
This extramural training module focused on journalistic coverage of these topics will provide an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a rural environment, the aim being to facilitate practical applications.
All on board for an environmental journalism training course in Cambodia
Development of a specialist training programme
Development of expertise among professional journalists, whether from the provinces or Phnom Penh, on specific topics (agriculture, climate, the environment, etc.).
Provision of support to a media outlet
Over the course of 18 months, provision of support to news pure player Thmeythmey.com in developing and structuring new content covering agriculture and related issues for the residents of rural areas.
Thmey Thmey at the forefront of the Cambodian media
Promoting local news in Cambodia
Provision of support to local and national media outlets in developing investigations
Following a call for applications to select media outlets or journalists, provision of support by an expert over a period of 6 months to assist with choosing topics of investigation and their coverage, with a particular emphasis on improving their ability to use data journalism tools.
Provision of support to journalists in the field
Provision of support to journalists at the next Siem Reap agricultural fair to cover the event and during field trips and visits to agroecological farms or other innovative projects, the aim being for Cambodian media professionals to immerse themselves in real-life situations and improve their knowledge of rural topics, environmental issues and innovative initiatives in agriculture.
Covering agricultural stories in Cambodia
Support for content creation projects
Aimed at young people, the fun and informative content on agriculture created as part of this project will be disseminated for the most part on social media, thanks in particular to the Cambodian NGO Khmer Youth Association (KYA). Its aim will be to promote positive solutions and initiatives.