Agro in the spotlight: agricultural sciences in radio waves

Abstract

The "Agro in the Spotlight " program initially emerged from a concrete need of the population. Farmers are important actors in rural communication through their vehicles (i.e. radio). It is through this form of rural communication that  there is not only a survey of needs conducted , but also guidelines that are shared through the process of  participatory planning, essential in the process of communication and dissemination of knowledge.This article aims to study out rural communication and dissemination actions in the municipality of Ilha Solteira, in radio programs related to projects and topics of relevant agricultural interest. Methodologically, the programs took place from March to December 2019, with the participation of teachers, students, technicians and professionals linked to the area of communication and journalism.  The research is organized in eight phases, from the survey of existing priorities in rural areas, followed by elaboration of themes and organization of editions until the presentation of the main results in a report. The results generally exceeded expectations regarding the audience and participation in the weekly editions, receiving over 100 inquiries from agrobusiness.   The study also received active participation in social networks with a significant number of followers, fulfilling the aim of seeking an interactive approach with the participants and exposing the importance of articulation not only in the area of teaching and research, but also in order to meet social demands as the purpose of extension practice and dissemination of scientific knowledge.  This program made possible the practice of extension through communication methods and techniques, extending the information to the community in response to  existing demands, bringing the reality of the university closer to the population, with expectation of continuity in this important activity linked to the principles of diffusion and extension practice.