RMSA journalist members benefit from IFAJ Africa experience (June 2015)

Two RMSA members recently returned from an International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) professional development tour of the African country, Zambia.

SA Country Hour presenter, Caroline Winter and NT based ABC journalist Kristy O’Brien competed with rural journalists from across Australia to be awarded positions on the Exposure-4-Development media tour of Zambia during May. The tour offered the opportunity for journalists to have a first-hand look at farm issues in the developing world, looking beyond the images of hunger and poverty and exploring a range of initiatives and opportunities.

As part of their application process, both journalists had to provide a pitch on what their four focus stories would be based on the itinerary.

While the two rural journalists had to fund their own airfares to Africa and contribute 300 Euros, the IFAJ provided all accommodation, internal travel, meals, tours and media opportunities during the unique week-long experience.

Caroline Winter

Kristy O'Brien