Wednesday 18 December 2013

Dear all,

I hope you travelled safely to your various countries and that you are following your plans of action

Regards

Brian

Thursday 12 December 2013

CAADP Communication and Knowledge sharing Training - Source of my Change!!!!!!!

This is to kindly Thank COMESA - FAO Managment organized this training because to be this is the source of change!!! actually i am an IT ( Information Technology) by carrier, and finally i find myself in the center for agricultural Information and Communication (CICA) working under Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), whereby we have to communicate agricultural issues categorized in both News and knowledge.

Apart from the Knowledge i gained from the work experience where by i am working from this institution form 1st April,2008, i was not learnt communication and Knowledge sharing Tips.

To me this training came as Solution to make the change in my daily activities!!!! Apart From this, because we are working under performance Contract, we have to be evaluated every year, one of the feedback for improvement always i got from my Boss is on poor planning that lead to poor reporting of the work tha i always do!!! this Training also helped me understand well how to strategically and effectively plan and reporting with clear means of verification.

My Thanks also Goes to My Direct Boss, CICA Coordinator, Mrs. Mary RUCIBIGANGO for all communication skills learnt from her from the Time i start to work in MINAGRI, my collegues staffs in CICa and MINAGRI in genera and  MINAGRI high level officers to offer me this opportunity!

I also that all participants in this workshop for their kindness, enthusiasm and active and participatory efforts !!
Finally i Thank the Facilitator of this workshop Pf.Sheryl, Mr. Sampa and Denise for their creative facilitation that makes all of us Feeling home in an  interactive environment.

I am really Grateful!!!!!!!!!!!

May God bless you all!!!! let us keep in touch!!


Communicating messages


Communication involves the use of language, symbols, signs, or behaviour. One can communicate through using telephones, posters, body language, emails, meetings amongst others. The types of communication include verbal communication-voice and words and non verbal communications which involves emotions and attitudes. When communicating it is very critical to know your target audience, information to be communicated, the key messages to be conveyed and the key channels you are to use.
It has been realised that most of the times we do not look critically on the above mentioned when we want to communicate. In this regards colleagues lets communicate effectively on issues.
This is the very first time i have enjoyed a workshop from beginning to end.  The fully packed programme included activities ranging from technical, communication and real fun. The facilitators methodologies and skills were exceptionally unique. The trip made to ZAMBEEF was very educative. Interestingly the cruise on lake Kariba last sunday was as well enjoyable.   In fact, this trip will remain in my mind always because i met friendly participants who made my stay in Zambia very memorable.
I thank FAO, COMESA and all those who made this a success.
God bless u all and merry Xmas.

Communicating with a purpose


          

 

Participants: Attentively deliberating during the workshop   
It has been twelve days since participants to the CAADP knowledge and communication workshop came together in Siyavonga, Zambia. The participants were drawn from  COMESA and ECOWAS they all had one purpose  which was to learn and share about how best they can communicate about CAADP in their countries in order to ensure successful agricultural development in the African continent. Among others, the participants raised  the following issues:
Participants during group discussions


  • There is need for all countries to develop a communication strategy in order to ensure effective communication of all CAADP activities
  • There is need to put in place deliberate efforts to ensure that communication activities are properly monitored and evaluated
  • There is need to involve the private sector including the media in order to ensure that  CAADP processes are effectively communicated and implemented
  • There is need for the various governments to review some of their policies regarding use of social media so that they are used for communicating CAADP activities. 

 In overall the meeting equipped the participants to communicate with a purpose in order to ensure agricultural development in the African continent.



Fally

My appreciation!

It is great to be facilitated by Bishop Sampa, Sheryl & Denise! You people are full of wisdom!
Daisi Kachingwe - Lilongwe - Malawi

CAADP communication and knowledge sharing workshop

I could know a lot from CAADP communication and knowledge sharing workshop that took place D 1-12  Dec 2013 at Lake Kariba Hotel in Siavonga. Generally, Igot knowledge on about CAADp pillars especially about food security, communicating system and facilitating skills which build up my capacity to do more my regular job.

moreover,  I appreciate the training  approach of the trainers which is practical.

Thank you!

Regards,
Shemsudin

A lesson learned

The workshop which is conducted 2-12 Dec.2013

I got a good lesseon

  1. How to translate message to audienc   & communication method
  2. Method of facilitation 
  3. Group organization and teem sprit method 
if there is no good facilitation method it was be boring because of long worksop time
 in general it was very good

Because of flexible schedule time of workshop t it create for me a problem of visa in my country at the beginning and if there is  the workshop or truing is conduct there is a programme of visiting to the town but you can not facilitate it.
Aletaye

Knowledgable and Enjoyable Workshop

I am thankful for this opportunity , to participate in communication and knowledge sharing workshop.
So thank you CAADP, My Ministry , Sheryl ,Denise,unforgettable facilitator Sampa
and participants it was knowledgeable and enjoyable workshop 
What am i taking with me after this workshop?
Well, I am taking a lot with me but the most important thing i learn during this workshop is how to write policy briefs.   I learn also how to improve the way i communicate according to the audience i am working with. So thanks to COMESA and FAO for this workshop

Jacinthe.
this workshop is very useful to me and other because it is full of learning how to communicate to decision makers, how to write policy brief, attractive presentations about CAADP pillar 3(food security and nutrition)....etc

Vital Workshop

The workshop was very vital and relevant to my day to day's work. I have really improved on my communication skills!!!!

Osborne Tsoka

CAADP Communication Workshop

First and foremost i like to thank the powerful facilitators whose deliberations were so inspiring. I loved the way the lessons were conducted including the styles of motivating the fora. I say thank you Pro. Sheryl, Denise, Cephas and Kalungu. You are wonderful facilitators.
My experience at the workshop was wonderful. I have learnt a lot of things such as how to formulate a policy brief, Press Release, CAADP process and Communication skills, especially the process involved to establish an effective communication platform.

I liked meeting new people from across Africa with all sort of different personality. It was a good time.
I will like to thank all Facilitators and participants for spending two week together. As we travel back remember to adopt what was impacted  in us. Share among your colleagues for teaching purposes. Thank you all and God bless you

Dumbuya
I learned all the basic things I need in the arena of Communications. what's more, I got the insight to put it in practice. It has helped me also to grasp the fact that if one has decided on a purpose/vision to agree not to disagree, there's no barrier to learn from others. It taught me about the fact that if there's a will to work as a team so long there's a respect to one another and close working partnership, success is around the corner.

I have a desire to participate in similar soul searching activities as this one. This I feel can enable me to widen my vision and knowledge on Communications.   
Ghebrenmicael.
As we drive away from the workshop, I carry with me very fond memories and good lessons. Although I am a technical person, I have been equiped with what I presume are the most excellent communication and advocacy skills. I have great hope that these will not go to waste but will be used for the benefit of my country and creating more awareness about CAADP. My day to day office work has also been improved as I will now be able to prepare powerful presentations to get through to my audience no matter how diverse they are. The workhop has also improved my personal skills because working in groups with different participants made me appreciate the different personaalities and skills some participants had. I thank so much the facilitators for having the participants at heart, doing everything to make the learning environment conducive. I hope to use the skills and techniques I have acquired to to make meetings and workshops and productive and participatory

Methods of Presentation

Style and format:
The presentation should attempt to grab and retain the users' attention. It should be concise and easy to understand and interpret, but when necessary, emphasis should be placed on the most important meteorological phenomena and their impacts. The following are points to consider in the context of style and format:
·         Language - if more than one main language is used, broadcasts should be available at least during certain times, in the main languages of a country. Graphics on television or newspapers help transcend language problems;
·         Appropriate terminology - as much as possible, non-technical, clear, concise and simple terminology should be used. Words and phrases that have familiar usage in the country or region will be appropriate and will minimize the potential for public confusion;
·         Location of hazards - use of descriptive geographic and geopolitical features familiar to the public will facilitate clearer understanding and better public response to warnings;
·         Required user action - ''call to action'' statements in terminology agreed upon by the NMHS, emergency management and government authorities, inform the user about specific actions to take to reduce risk.



Vital Workshop

Dear all,
I would like to thank everybody for your contributions throughout the workshop. It was a multi-country workshop yet we behaved as if we had stayed ever before. It was amazing being with you!!!

Wishing you an enjoyable Festive Season.

Osborne Tsoka,
Malawi.

Thank you all!!

I want to thank everyone for organising such a workshop. It was such a very good initiative to group together the communications persons and the CAADP Focal persons in such an interesting environment.

Indeed there were a lot of  knowledge  sharing and communications amongst everyone present. My knowledge about CAADP has been nourished and my communications skills have been useful not only to myself but to others as well.

Each and everyone will go home after these two weeks with so much to share. It has been two fruitful weeks indeed with good memories. To top it all everyone now has a Communications toolkit which will be a key to my everyday work.Thank you all!


CAADP Communivations and Knowledge Sharing Workshop

The Communications workshop was wonderful and lively. The way the presentations were presented made the whole workshop interesting. I did not have any dull moments during the duration of the workshop. I have learnt what CAADP is now as I was just reading the CAADP from the brochures before. I had a chance to interact with the CAADP team from COMESA and this made me know CAADP more.
Above all, I now know how to communicate and I will be able to communicate CAADP to others and I have met new friends.

Brian

Sunday 8 December 2013

Saturday 7 December 2013

Message to participants

Dear Participants of the CAADP knowledge sharing workshop,
The  workshop is becoming interesting day after day. I hope we will share our experiences from this workshop especially our visit to the Zambeef when we shall have gone back to our different countries. It is clear from this visit that, Modern Agriculture Enterprises are probably the most diverse in the Economy, Primarily about Production, Support Services that cover Economic, Mechanics, Commerce and Business Management of Shocks and Human Resources. It involves Installment and of electronic Equipment including IT. No matter what you study, you will find a place in the Agricultural Sector

Foday Abdulai Sesay
Nutrition Officer
Directorate of Food and Nutrition
Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Sierra Leone

Week 1 in Siavonga


The first week of training has been very interesting especially knowing that I can be in a position make a film using the electronic gadgets I have been carrying with me all these years. The field trip was very interesting I tell you. Looking forward to the Boat Cruz and the coming week

By Collen

CAADP Communicators challenged to be Agents of Change


Honorable Greyford Monde MP, Zambia’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, has challenged participants attending the CAADP Regional Communications and Knowledge Sharing Learning Workshop in COMESA to become change agents in the fight against poverty in the continent.

Speaking when he officially opened the workshop on 2nd December, 2013 in Siavonga, Zambia, Honorable Monde urged delegates to be agents of change through effective and efficient communication and knowledge sharing on CAADP and related Food Security issues.

 “Information is power and we can only empower our people to change for the better in the area of food and nutrition security by communicating and sharing the knowledge we gain from this workshop”, he said.

Hon. Monde said the workshop, which attracted participants from COMESA and ECOWAS member states, provided a rare opportunity for sharing experiences and challenges of malnutrition and food security in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of COMESA, Deputy CAADP Coordinator, Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo thanked the Zambian Government for being hosts of the regional meeting.

Dr. Meebelo said COMESA was pleased to partner with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners towards building capacity of stakeholders in the member states to better implement the CAADP framework and its processes.

She challenged participants to ensure that they increase their communications coverage to enhance visibility of the challenges facing Africa such as food and nutrition insecurity which are responsible for the high malnutrition and infant mortality rates.

“Sub Saharan Africa still has a high prevalent rate of malnutrition and infant mortality due to, food and nutrition insecurity. At the core of this problem is lack of information and knowledge, which we need to share frequently with the majority of people in Africa. Communicators need to be responsible for effecting the much needed  positive difference. ” said Dr. Meebelo.

Welcoming delegates from Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) who also attended the workshop, Dr. Nalishebo said their participation was evidence of the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between COMESA and ECOWAS, signed in 2010.

And FAO Zambia Representative Mr. Mtendere Mphatso said his organization was happy to partner with RECs in Africa to address challenges of food and nutrition security on the continent.
Mr. Phatso said concerted efforts by all stakeholders were need to serious address issues of food and nutrition security across the continent.

The workshop which mainly focused on capacity building in the area of Communication and Knowledge Sharing, with a focus on CAADP Pillar III relating to Food and Nutrition Security was jointly organized by COMESA and FAO.

 
This face to face training workshop which is running from 2-13th December, 2013 was preceded by an online training session held from 25-29th November, 2013.

Participants from both COMESA and ECOWAS were drawn from 13 countries namely; Swaziland, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya,Seychelles, Sudan and Malawi.