Salience of community radio on climate change risks in rural Kenya: A case of Migori County

Abstract

Many people globally have been affected by climate change. Currently, over 150,000 deaths occur worldwide every year due to global warming. In Kenya, climate change has had devastating effects. Communities in rural areas are often most affected by climate change impacts because they rely on climate-sensitive industries to earn a living. To address this, the study examined the utilization of community radio as a key media platform with a wide audience in rural Kenya to promote climate change awareness. This study assessed community radio’s role in the dissemination of information and in public engagement on matters of climate change in rural Kenya specifically Migori County. The study used a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative to collect data. 401 questionnaires were administered to residents who listen to at least one of the five main Dholuo community radio stations in Migori County, Kenya. This population was calculated using Yamane’s formula from a total population of 811, 051 residents of Rongo, Awendo, Uriri, Suna East, Suna West, and Nyatike sub-counties. The five major community radios in Migori under study included: Milambo, Anyuola, Tarumbeta, Onagi, and Rameny. 20 key informants drawn from the community radio stations and climate change experts were interviewed for qualitative data. The study revealed that community radios do not give prominence to serious issues of climate change apart from the effects that come as news stories. It is recommended therefore that relevant stakeholders should prioritize proper utilization of community radios on matters of climate change.