The role of broadcast media on community adaptation and mitigation of climate variability and change impacts in Iringa rural district, Tanzania

Abstract

Actions associated with building mitigation and adaptive capacity may include communicating climate change information, building awareness of potential impacts, maintaining well-being, protecting property or land, maintaining economic growth, and exploiting new opportunities. Over the past two decades, radio has been the major medium in rural areas of developing countries as a source of news and music. This study was carried out to assess the role of broadcasting media on community adaptation and mitigation to climate variability and change in Isimani Division simply because the division is relatively most affected by drought due to environmental degradation. A Cross-sectional research design was adopted and involved a sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus group discussions. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Binary logistic model confirmed that access and usage of broadcast media had effect on farmers' adaptation and mitigation to climate variability and change. However, low income, language barriers, unreliable broadcasting network low education level, lack of environment related programmes; and lack of electricity were confirmed as barriers to accessibility and usage of broadcasting media for adaptation and mitigation of climate variability and change impacts. It is recommended that government should reduce taxes imposed upon equipment for broadcasting media. Broadcast media should be used to disseminate information on good farming practices as a measure of adapting and mitigating to climate change.