Appraisal of Radio Broadcast Content on Rural Environmental Issues in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To evaluate the existing radio programs in Eleme local government
- To identify the areas where rural communities lack awareness and understanding of environmental issues, sustainable practices, and climate change impacts.
- To evaluate the level of engagement and participation of rural communities in environmental conservation initiatives facilitated by radio programs.
- To determine the extent to which radio broadcasts encourage community involvement, inspire behavioral change, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Community and Community Radio
Community refers to a group of people with common characteristics or interests living together within a larger society. In other word, the term ‘community’ can be defined as a condition in which people find themselves engaged in interwoven and meaningful relationships with their fallows (Mtimde et al. 1998). A ‘community’ is considered to be a group of people sharing some familiar characteristics and or traits such as sharing a common geographical area i.e. a specific city and town, village; sharing of economic and social life through business and trade, exchange of goods and services among themselves (BNNRC, 2010). In relation to community radio, the term ‘community’ refers to a collective or a group of people sharing common characters and/or interests. The term ‘community’ can either be defined as: – a geographically based group of persons and/or – a social group or sector of the public who have common or specific interests (Mtimde et al. 1998). Community radio, as distinct from commercial and public service broadcasting, serves to bring local level small communities together, focuses on general public’s day-to-day concerns and helps in realizing local demands and aspirations. In this sense, it aims to enrich the livelihood of the local people, through the content that is created by the people and for the people of the community (Wadia, 2007).Community radio is also defined as non-profit agency which is considered to serve specific local communities; thereby broadcasting programmes and contents which are relevant to the community and with organizational structures that represent the community the radio station work for (Fleming, 2002). The flourishing process of today country community radios has begun some 50 years ago in Latin America where the stimulus for these first experiences was poverty & social injustice. Among these two, one had begun in Bolivia in 1947 which is known as the Miner’s radios and another in Colombia in the same year, known as Radio Sutatenza / Accion Cultural Popular. These experiences set a trend, even if today’s concept of community radio has evolved considerably. For example, the Minors Radio in Bolivia was working in the decades of inner conflict between Marxism and capitalism. Thus, their main focus was to bring together the community of miners to combat for improved and better working environment. They considered Radio Sutatenza /ACPO in Colombia, although enthused by the endeavor of supporting the community of farmers or peasants, was not owned or directly governed by them. A lot of feedbacks were considered from farmers and these certainly ensured the incorporation of the farmer demands and desires into the radio’s contents and programming. But it was not similar to today’s aim of community radio which is ‘radio by the people for the people’. Systematic efforts by Radio Sutatenza to educate community people by radio created a progress that “… spread and was later consolidated through ALER, the Latin America Educational Radio Broadcasting Association. Inter – linkage of radio and education was the main thrust to the concept of public service and marked the inception of community broadcasting media in Latin America (Fraser, 2001). Though it started in Latin America, it was in Europe where community radio first becomes a fundamental public phenomenon. In the 1960 – 70’s when “swashbuckling entrepreneurs boarded the airwaves illegally and seizes as much of the audience as they could carry away from the treasure chest monopoly controlled by the state” were the first challenges to state public service broadcasting (T. McCain and F. Lowe, 1990). In the West, these stations became able to motivate governments and national broadcasting systems to initiate local level community radio. After the ruin of the apartheid regime in South Africa, the establishment of community radio becomes a social movement in Africa (Moncef, 1998). In many parts of the world (e.g. miners, missionaries and democracy movements), community radio is persuaded by the pressure groups.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examined appraisal of Radio Broadcast Content on Rural Environmental Issues. Eleme local Government Area of Rivers State form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was du.e to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain appraisal of Radio Broadcast Content on Rural Environmental Issues in Eleme local Government Area of Rivers State. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing ascertain appraisal of Radio Broadcast Content on Rural Environmental Issues in Eleme local Government Area of Rivers State
Summary
This study was on ascertain appraisal of Radio Broadcast Content on Rural Environmental Issues in Eleme local Government Area of Rivers State. Three objectives were raised which included: To evaluate the existing radio programs in Eleme local government, to identify the areas where rural communities lack awareness and understanding of environmental issues, sustainable practices, and climate change impacts, to evaluate the level of engagement and participation of rural communities in environmental conservation initiatives facilitated by radio programs and to determine the extent to which radio broadcasts encourage community involvement, inspire behavioral change, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Eleme local government. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, radio broadcast content plays a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing rural environmental issues in Nigeria. Through its accessible and cost-effective nature, radio serves as a primary source of information for many rural communities, providing them with vital knowledge on sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies.
Radio broadcasts effectively mobilize rural communities to actively participate in environmental initiatives and engage in sustainable behaviors. By disseminating information and promoting dialogue, radio programs encourage listeners to take ownership of their local environments, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
However, there are challenges that need to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of radio broadcast content on rural environmental issues in Nigeria. Limited resources, inadequate training of broadcasters, and the need for research-based programming are some of the key challenges that can affect the quality and accuracy of information conveyed through radio programs.
To enhance the impact of radio broadcasts on rural environmental issues, it is essential to invest in capacity building for broadcasters, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate environmental concepts. Collaboration between radio stations, environmental experts, and local communities can facilitate the production of engaging and informative content that resonates with the rural audience.
Furthermore, leveraging technology and innovative approaches, such as interactive radio programs, mobile platforms, and community participation, can enhance the reach and engagement of radio broadcasts on rural environmental issues. This can empower listeners to actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts and sustainable development in their communities.
In conclusion, radio broadcast content holds significant potential in addressing rural environmental issues in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of radio as a communication tool and addressing the existing challenges, it is possible to strengthen the impact of radio programs and promote positive environmental change in rural areas.
Recommendation
Based on the discussion of radio broadcast content on rural environmental issues in Nigeria, the following recommendations can be made:
- Enhance Training and Capacity Building: Invest in training programs for radio broadcasters to improve their understanding of environmental issues and effective communication strategies. This will enable them to produce informative and engaging content that resonates with rural audiences.
- Foster Partnerships and Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between radio stations, environmental experts, local communities, and relevant stakeholders. This collaboration can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and ideas, leading to the development of more impactful and community-centered radio programs.
- Incorporate Research-Based Programming: Encourage the integration of research findings and scientific information into radio broadcasts on rural environmental issues. This ensures that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and based on evidence, enhancing its credibility and effectiveness.
- Promote Community Participation: Design radio programs that actively involve the rural community in environmental initiatives. This can be achieved through interactive segments, call-ins, interviews with community members, and participation in on-the-ground activities. Engaging the community fosters a sense of ownership and empowers individuals to take action.
- Utilize Technology and Innovation: Explore the use of technology to expand the reach and impact of radio broadcasts. Mobile platforms, social media, and interactive radio programs can be utilized to engage a broader audience and encourage participation, especially among the younger generation.
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