International development experts are taking their advice to the small screen.Developments magazine reports on Shamba Shape-Up!, a new home-makeover show in Kenya that combines entertainment and education to explore the sorts of problems faced by poor farming families. Mediae, the independent production company behind the show, plans to film six episodes starting this month. The show’s pilot addressed a typical concern–water–by installing rainwater collection tanks on a farm located 3 kilometers from the nearest source.
Mediae’s message-driven drama Makatano Junction has enjoyed popularity since 2005, attracting five million viewers in its third season by addressing pertinent issues such as child sexual abuse and violence against women. Shape-Up! creators expect similar success.