THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EBBC RADIO IN PROMOTING CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS OF ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS IN EBONYI STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires widespread awareness and action at the local level. In regions like Abakaliki Metropolis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, where communities may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, raising awareness becomes even more crucial. Media outlets, particularly radio, play a significant effectiveness in disseminating information and shaping public perceptions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change poses significant risks to communities worldwide, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems (IPCC, 2021). In Nigeria, climate change threatens food security, water resources, and public health, making it essential to educate communities about its causes, impacts, and adaptation strategies (Ogbonna & Ejikeme, 2019).

Media, particularly radio, serves as a vital tool for disseminating climate change information to diverse audiences, including those in remote or underserved areas (Hansen & Machin, 2013). EBBC Radio, based in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, is a prominent local broadcaster with a wide reach in Abakaliki Metropolis. Understanding the effectiveness of EBBC Radio in promoting climate change awareness can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of media campaigns in addressing environmental issues at the grassroots level. In the Nigerian context, Ogbonna and Ejikeme (2019) underscored the significant impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and food security. They argued that raising awareness among local communities is essential for implementing effective adaptation strategies and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. However, there is limited research on the specific effectiveness of radio stations like EBBC Radio

in climate change communication within Nigerian communities. Abakaliki Metropolis, situated in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, is grappling with environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. The area's predominantly agrarian economy and reliance on natural resources render its residents particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of shifting climate patterns, such as irregular rainfall and extreme weather events (Nkwede, 2017). Despite these risks, there exists a notable gap in climate change awareness among Abakaliki Metropolis residents, attributable in part to limited access to educational resources and low literacy rates in certain segments of the population.

In response to this knowledge deficit, effective communication strategies are imperative to disseminate information about climate change causes, impacts, and adaptation strategies within the community. Leveraging media platforms like EBBC Radio, a prominent local broadcaster serving Abakaliki Metropolis and its environs, presents an opportunity to address this need. With its extensive reach and accessibility, radio remains a primary source of information for many residents, making it a viable channel for delivering targeted climate change messaging (Idoko & Ezeani, 2015).

Understanding the efficacy of EBBC Radio in raising climate change awareness among Abakaliki Metropolis residents is paramount for developing tailored communication interventions that bolster community resilience. By analyzing the nature, frequency, and impact of climate change-related programme on EBBC Radio, this study endeavors to glean insights that can inform evidence-based communication strategies tailored to the local context.

Furthermore, soliciting input from key stakeholders, including radio producers, environmental activists, and community leaders, offers valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change communication in the region. By identifying barriers to effective communication and exploring innovative engagement approaches, this study aims to contribute to the discourse on climate change education and advocacy in Nigeria.

Abakaliki Metropolis, located in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, is a rapidly growing urban center facing various environmental challenges, including those exacerbated by climate change. With a population predominantly engaged in agriculture and other natural resource-dependent livelihoods, the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, pose significant threats to local communities' well-being and economic stability.

Despite these challenges, there is often a lack of adequate awareness and understanding of climate change among residents of Abakaliki Metropolis. Limited access to information and educational resources, coupled with low literacy rates in some areas, contribute to this knowledge gap. As a result, there is a pressing need for effective communication strategies to raise awareness about climate change, its causes, impacts, and adaptation measures, particularly among vulnerable populations.

EBBC Radio, as a prominent local broadcaster serving Abakaliki Metropolis and surrounding areas, has the potential to play a crucial effectiveness in addressing this need. With its wide reach and accessibility, radio remains a primary source of information for many residents, including those in rural and marginalized communities. By leveraging its platform to disseminate accurate and engaging content on climate change, EBBC Radio can help bridge the knowledge gap and empower listeners to take proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to environmental changes. messaging (Idoko & Ezeani, 2015).

Understanding the effectiveness of EBBC Radio in promoting climate change awareness among residents of Abakaliki Metropolis is essential for designing targeted communication interventions and strengthening community resilience to climate-related risks. By examining the frequency, content, and impact of climate change-related programme on EBBC Radio, this study seeks to generate insights that can inform the development of evidence-based communication strategies tailored to the local context. (Hansen and Machin 2018)

Moreover, exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders, including radio producers, environmental activists, and community leaders, can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change communication in the region. By identifying barriers to effective communication and exploring innovative approaches to engage diverse audiences, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on climate change education and advocacy in Nigeria. Combating climate change necessitates collaborative efforts across various sectors, with effective communication serving as a linchpin for fostering awareness, galvanizing action, and building resilience within communities. By examining the effectiveness of EBBC Radio in climate change awareness among Abakaliki Metropolis residents, this study seeks to illuminate the potential of media as a catalyst for positive societal change amidst environmental challenges. (Idoko, & Ezeani, 2015).

1.2 Statement of the research Problem

Abakaliki Metropolis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, faces pressing environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. Despite the vulnerability of its predominantly agrarian population to climate-related risks, there exists a notable gap in climate change awareness within the community. This lack of awareness hampers efforts to effectively mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, potentially exacerbating socio-economic disparities and environmental degradation in the region. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of media, particularly radio, in raising awareness and disseminating information about climate change (Idoko & Ezeani, 2015). However, research specific to the effectiveness of local broadcasters like EBBC Radio in addressing climate change awareness within Abakaliki Metropolis is limited. While studies have explored climate change impacts on agriculture in Ebonyi State (Nkwede, 2017), there is a dearth of research examining the effectiveness of media-based interventions in enhancing climate change education and fostering pro-environmental behaviors among residents.

The knowledge gap this study intends to fulfill lies in understanding the extent to which EBBC Radio contributes to climate change awareness among residents of Abakaliki Metropolis. By examining the nature, frequency, and impact of climate change-related programme on EBBC Radio, this study seeks to elucidate the efficacy of media-based communication strategies in addressing climate change education and advocacy within the community. Moreover, by identifying potential challenges and opportunities associated with climate change communication through EBBC Radio, this study aims to provide insights that can inform the development of targeted interventions tailored to the local context, ultimately contributing to enhanced resilience and sustainable development in the region. By shifting the focus to the effectiveness of EBBC Radio, this study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of climate change communication efforts in the region and their potential implications for community resilience and environmental sustainability.

In essence, this study intends to provide a nuanced exploration of the effectiveness of local media, represented by EBBC Radio, in promoting climate change awareness within Abakaliki Metropolis. By bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation, it aims to offer actionable insights that can inform the development of contextually relevant communication strategies and contribute to more effective climate change education and advocacy efforts at the grassroots level.

1.3 Objectives of the study

To assess the level of climate change awareness among residents of Abakaliki Metropolis.
To examine the frequency and nature of climate change-related programme on EBBC Radio.
To evaluate the perceived impact of EBBC Radio in increasing climate change awareness and fostering pro-environmental behaviors among listeners.
To identify potential challenges and opportunities for improving climate change communication through EBBC Radio.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the level of climate change awareness from EBBC Radio Programme among residents of Abakaliki Metropolis?
What is the frequency and nature of climate change-related programme on EBBC Radio?
What are the perceived impact of EBBC Radio in increasing climate change awareness and fostering pro-environmental behaviors among listeners?
What are the potential challenges and opportunities for improving climate change communication through EBBC Radio?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses specifically on Abakaliki Metropolis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, examining the effectiveness of EBBC Radio in promoting climate change awareness within this urban area. The research will not extend to other regions or communities outside the specified geographic scope. The study encompassed a designated timeframe for data collection and analysis. Specifically, it examine climate change-related programme aired on EBBC Radio over a period of six months, from January to June 2024. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive assessment of program content and audience exposure during a representative period.

The study select one climate change-related program from EBBC Radio's programme schedule for analysis. The chosen program was identified based on its relevance to climate change education and advocacy, as well as its potential impact on listeners' awareness and attitudes toward environmental issues. Selection criteria include program format, content themes, and audience engagement strategies. The presence of the selected program in EBBC Radio's official program schedule was verified to ensure its consistency and availability throughout the study period. This involves cross-referencing program listings provided by the station with actual broadcast schedules to confirm the program's inclusion and adherence to planned airing times.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its...

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