The Postharvest Learning Alliance (LA) conducted the Message Design Workshop for developing communication materials on the use of flat-bed dryers in Bogale Township on 11-12 February. The flat-bed dryer was introduced by IRRI in 2013, in partnership with the Professionals for Fair Development and Welthungerhilfe. The event was organized to reach and inform more stakeholders about the benefits of using a dryer and attended by key LA members including farmers, millers, and traders.
Participatory message design workshops have been used by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in developing information to create locally relevant and suitable materials for the target audience with the help of specialists, communicators, and artists. Through facilitated group exercises, the participants were able to 1) identify their target audiences, 2) define communication objectives, 3) develop key messages about the flat-bed dryer, and 4) develop materials for their targeted groups. The participants in Bogale developed 1 poster, 2 flyers, and 1 leaflet for farmers, millers, and traders. They also pre-tested the materials, and planned for extension activities.
The workshop was conducted through the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) and the Closing the Rice Yield Gap with Reduced Environmental Footprint projects (CORIGAP).
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