ActionAid , of & The Center for Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge in Yunnan

There is so much information available through state and other media to the public. But, what kinds of information are available to the poor farmers in the rural areas? What are the modes of transferring the information? Do they get the kind of information they are seeking which would help them uplift their livelihoods? Do they get information of their choice and need or they get instruction? These kinds of queries seldom figure out into the public policies. The idea behind this study is to make information a tool towards improving the livelihoods of the poor farmers. Making state and other development actors more responsive to the needs of the poor farmers.

Thus, we wants to initiate this study on Information Coverage for the Western Region, especially focusing on TV channel. The aim is to improve poor households in Western Region in accessing useful information in the aspect of government policy, legal right, agriculture technology, health and education etc.

It is expected that this research will be able to reveal the scope of the information accessibility of poor farmers in western regions, as well as to provide recommendation for alternatives to enable poor farmers to access useful information. It also aims that this research can raise awareness among policy makers in the government, donor agencies, media sector, research institutions and NGOs, including public to pay more attention to poor rural farmers' right to information.

1) LongYang District, Baoshan

2) , Dali

3) Ershan county, Yuxi