George Atkins Communications Award 2027

Applications are open for the George Atkins Communications Award 2027, an annual award from Farm Radio International recognizing outstanding radio broadcasters who contribute to food security and poverty reduction in low income countries. The award celebrates broadcasters who demonstrate excellence in responding to the needs of small scale farmers and rural communities while maintaining a strong partnership with Farm Radio International.

Named after George Atkins, the founding director of Farm Radio International, the award has recognized excellence in rural radio broadcasting since 1991. It provides an opportunity for experienced broadcasters to receive international recognition for their work using radio to inform, support and engage farming communities.

The 2027 award is open to individual broadcasters working at radio stations that have been Farm Radio International broadcasting partners for at least one year. Applicants must also have a minimum of three years of radio broadcasting experience, including experience gained through volunteer broadcasting.

About the Opportunity

The George Atkins Communications Award recognizes the important role that radio broadcasters play in supporting family farmers and rural communities. In many low income countries, radio remains an accessible way for communities to receive information about agriculture, livelihoods, food security and other issues affecting their daily lives.

The award particularly recognizes broadcasters who demonstrate overall programming excellence in responding to the needs of small scale farmers. Strong communication skills, relevant broadcasting experience and a demonstrated commitment to serving rural audiences are therefore important aspects of the award.

Farm Radio International works with radio stations and broadcasters across Africa to develop communication approaches that support farming families and underserved communities. Its network includes more than 1,500 broadcasting partners across 38 African countries.

The George Atkins Communications Award forms part of Farm Radio International's wider recognition of excellence within its radio network. Award winners are celebrated for their contribution to rural broadcasting and their commitment to using communication to support sustainable development.

Winners of the 2027 award will be announced at a special celebration on World Radio Day 2027.

Award Benefits

• Certificate recognizing the recipient's achievement

• Cash prize of CAD 500

• International recognition for excellence in rural radio broadcasting

• Recognition for contribution to food security and poverty reduction

• Recognition within the Farm Radio International broadcasting network

Areas of Recognition

The award is particularly relevant to broadcasters whose work demonstrates excellence in areas such as:

• Communication for small scale farmers

• Food security

• Poverty reduction

• Rural development

• Agricultural information

• Family farming

• Rural community engagement

• Inclusive communication

• Radio programming that responds to farmers' needs

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the George Atkins Communications Award 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Work at a radio station that has been a Farm Radio International broadcasting partner for at least one year

• Have at least three years of experience as a radio broadcaster

• Volunteer broadcasting experience may count toward the required three years

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to serving small scale farmers and rural communities

• Demonstrate excellence in radio broadcasting and communication

Past winners are not eligible to apply for five years after receiving the award.

Applicants who are uncertain whether their radio station qualifies as a Farm Radio International broadcasting partner are encouraged to contact Farm Radio International before submitting an application.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

• Completed George Atkins Communications Award application form

• A photograph showing the applicant working as a broadcaster

• A recording of an episode of the applicant's radio programme

• Information about the applicant's radio career and broadcasting experience

• Information demonstrating the applicant's strengths, interests and areas of expertise

• Information showing how the applicant's broadcasting work serves and informs listeners

The application form is designed to give applicants an opportunity to describe their career in radio, explain what inspired them to become broadcasters and highlight the strengths and experience they bring to their work.

Applicants should make sure that their supporting audio recording clearly represents the quality and relevance of their broadcasting work.

Application Languages

Applications are accepted in several languages to make the award accessible to broadcasters across Farm Radio International's network.

• English

• Amharic

• Hausa

• Swahili

• Portuguese

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements and confirm that your radio station has been a Farm Radio International broadcasting partner for at least one year.
2. Confirm that you have at least three years of radio broadcasting experience, including qualifying volunteer experience where applicable.
3. Complete the George Atkins Communications Award application form with accurate information about your broadcasting career and professional experience.
4. Prepare a photograph of yourself working as a broadcaster.
5. Select and prepare a recording of an episode of your radio programme that demonstrates the quality and relevance of your broadcasting work.
6. Submit the completed application form and supporting materials by email to the Farm Radio International contact for your country.
7. Applicants in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda should use the relevant country email address provided by Farm Radio International.
8. Applicants living outside these countries should contact Farm Radio International through its general radio contact address for submission instructions.
9. Submit your application no later than October 9, 2026.

Application Contacts

Farm Radio International provides country specific submission addresses for applicants in several countries.

• Burkina Faso: burkinafaso@farmradio.org

• Ethiopia: ethiopia@farmradio.org

• Ghana: ghana@farmradio.org

• Tanzania: tanzania@farmradio.org

• Uganda: uganda@farmradio.org

Applicants outside these countries can submit through Farm Radio International's general radio contact at radio@farmradio.org.