Dear colleagues.
You will forgive me for the bad characters that are appearing in my submission in line with Topic 2! I really do not know how they happen to appear that way. Also, i have realized that i used the word adopt to climate change instead of using the word adapt to climate change. Please note the word is Adapt not Adopt.
Thank you.
Sarah.
1.I broadcast by using role models and real examples ie real people
and real situations
Climate change has really affected the farmers in many ways, access
to clean water, animal welfare and crops are failing because of lack
of rainfall
As a broadcaster, I always go to subject matter specialists on
climate change and information from meteological services in our
country
Thank you Sarah @smawerere for sharing your experiences with regard to reporting on climate change. I like the fact that you started by explaining what climate change is all about and you went on in details responding to the questions posed.
I am sure experiences differ according to different regions. This maybe as a result of a lot of factors as some were mentioned here and by Christian @krizo
What do other people say?
@Nyangss, @Blackmagic @princeappiahgh @Kwamee_Kwame @Faustine @Peter_Balaba @Pauline_Kalumikiza_M @Jacqueline @pascalalex @Elisha_Adarkwah @Monica @shalom @wengo @Sarkodie_Gideon @jpeprah @David_L_Nalitolela @sakkie @Lamine @SammyRay22 @joern @MartinMwape @MATABA @Izack_Boniface @kasooha @Mwesimus @Asiki @Alexis @petsim @moses @Joseph @cpondelani @Susuma @Inno8 @blobmaster @Mathew_Philip_Bravo @Ismaila @shizho99 @RAY @Tidjane @natogmah @birhanu @Ajonobia @nebyam @Isma_ila_Dan-Muhamma @KEKLE @Gharos_Riwa @dabota @miopa
As abroadcaster, I currently report on the effects of climate change through Radio features, news and recorded testimonies from the community.
From my interaction with farmers, I have noted that our really know what climate change is, some of its causes which they partly blame on themselves and on government’s inability to implement written laws that could have helped reduce the effects of climate change.They also feel the pitch especially because it has now changed the planting season, made planting timing unpredictable, poor harvest, and caused increased food insecurity due to severe drought, floods, delayed start of the rainy season.
I sometimes Google (like denmarkconference on climate 2015), consult with researchers at Universities, use documents from line Ministry, and use documents from meteorological department.
Thank you @monica
What do farmers say about the climate change challenges? How do they respond to the reports?
Hi Sarah
It is true sometimes people either blame themselves or the government even for issues beyond their control. Some resist change and do not want to adapt to current situations.
I would like to share some resources on agriculture and climate change. These might be helpful for broadcasters:
Raising goats to beat the drought in eastern Kenya: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/102-raising-guinea-fowl/raising-goats-to-beat-the-drought-in-eastern-kenya-2/
How farmers can adapt to a changing climate: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-89/how-farmers-can-adapt-to-a-changing-climate/
Breeding cows in a zero-grazing system can be a dual environmental solution: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-89/breeding-cows-in-a-zero-grazing-system-can-be-a-dual-environmental-solution/
Issue Pack: Awareness of climate change: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-89/issue-pack-awareness-of-climate-change/
Rural communities adapting to climate change in Benin http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-88/rural-communities-adapting-to-climate-change-in-benin/
Cheers
Broadcasters reporting on the effect of climate change is very important as we struggle to adapt. We have the power to bring change to every aspect of the society. For example, media reports on a school in Ghana where children sat on the floor to learn made the government and Opposition scramble to be the one to solve the problem.In the end, the running mate of the largest opposition party who first heard the problem form the media paid a visit and contracted 500 desks for the kids, before that could come, government knowing it will be embarrassing to them rushed to provide these desks in just one day! What if we could to same to Climate Change issues?
Personally, I report on climate change through Farming Programming and others such as news, flagship programs etc.
Fortunately for me, the implementation of an FRI/GiZ Climate Change Adaptation project in 2014/15 has really given me an insight. From several interactions with farmers through Focus Group Discussions and interviews, farmers really have the knowledge and understanding of climate change its effects.
Most farmers know that the major causes of climate change as deforestation and global warming. They do not know about other causes such green house effects etc.
Secondly, they know that climate change affects soil water, fertility, rain patterns,brings drought, new plant and animal diseases, etc. It also dry up water sources, and make access to fertile land difficult.
Apart from that, farmers also know that climate change causes windstorms,flooding, etc.
The major thing that most farmers do not know is the best adaptation, strategies, Even though they have indigenous knowledge and practices of adaptation, they are not aware of scientific adaptation techniques.
My best sources of climate change up-to-date information are international and local institutions on climate change, experts,farmers themselves, Agriculture officers.
Hi!
(1) As a broadcaster I used a recorded voice from different experts who are real knowing about climate change. The experts are from Universities who conducted a research about climate change or implement a projects about it, others are from farmers organization. There voice can be a direct interview which I conduct with them or from workshops which discuss the issue on climate change.
I also used various materials, farmers voice and songs to support the topic.
(2) Previously they were wondered to see their water resources became dried, the produce are not sweet like before, changes of rain seasons instead of cultivating three times per year they started to cultivate once per year, the land lost its fertility hence started to apply industrial manure… but soon after educating them why all this they are now aware of climate change and they cultivate alternative crops to adapt the situation.
(3) Through internet (reading various information), my fellows staff who attend workshops on climate change issues, researchers, government extension officers and listening to other programs based on climate issues issues.
That’s all Busi.
Thank you Busi for the comments!
Thank you very much too for providing these resources from different countries and regions. I find them useful.
True, experiences differ according to different regions and what i have also discovered is; climate change affects regions or areas differently. What happens in Zambia may be different from what happens here in Uganda. Or what happens in Eastern Uganda may differ from what happens in Western Uganda. So approaches to address such also differ?
Dear Colleagues,
How I report on Climate Change
The program I produce “News Hour,” gives update information daily on not only the weather pattern but also explains to the farmers the effects of climate change on farming. I have made sure with the entire team in the department we are on the lookout for any changes in the climate and subsequently asked the expert in meteorology to give an explanation for the benefit of the farmers.
In the one hour program we have a slot called the “District Focus” where we give a fore cast of which climatologists and agricultural officials are fond. We did well when we carried messages that Uganda was to experience Elinino rains from September 2015 to early 2016 and the farmers were not taken unawares at any cost.
I was privileged to attend a meeting late last year between UBC and Uganda Meteorology Authority during which both institutions signed to provide timely information on weather changes to the farmers; a two year renewable partnership and both organizations are keen on this issue.
Farmers Understanding of Climate Change
Most farmer have now come to understand that climate is having a negative impact on land, water , crops and their animals unlike in the past. Most of those I have spoken to especially from the hilly areas of Eastern Uganda after experiencing landslides, sweeping away their crops and animals now say it is effects of climate change. They tell me that they have also noticed in the reduction of streams flowing from the slopes of Mt. Elgon and that because the explanations they now understand. Majority are now heeding to the call to preserve the environment by planting trees.
There is also a shift in the cultivation and when we do a phone in program they are so eager to learn about land management and cultivation to the audience.
Up-to date information Climate Change
At my station we rely on information from the Uganda Meteorology Authority by the fact that we are in partnership which is broadcast everyday to the audience.
The Ministry of Water and Environment which also has a Climate Change Unit with all the information needed.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Industry.
Farmers’ organizations for example Uganda Farmers Federation among others are very crucial availing interviews to us including press briefings and statements on Climate Change.
Thanks
Hello @Wandeba
Thank you for sharing. It is encouraging when the response from farmers is positive. It shows they need help and do not want to lose because of uncontrollable circumstances. If they cannot control a situation, at least they can adjust their practices.
I would like to share with everyone other examples of scripts on agriculture and climate change
Sekedo, a drought resistant sorghum for Karamoja:
http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-84/sekedo-a-drought-resistant-sorghum-for-karamoja/
Livestock management practices to cope with climate change: http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-84/livestock-management-practices-to-cope-with-climate-change/
Manure the magic worker http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-84/manure-the-magic-worker/
Organic fertilizer within easy reach:
http://www.farmradio.org/radio-resource-packs/package-84/organic-fertilizer-within-easy-reach/
We are still expecting other participants to share their experiences too.
@Jacqueline @Sarkodie_Gideon @Ajonobia @Asiki @Alexis @Adebisi @Blackmagic @birhanu @blobmaster @Charles @clara @Felix @Faustine @Godfred @Ismaila @Izack_Boniface @Inno8 @Isma_ila_Dan-Muhamma @jpeprah @Joyce_Bigra @Joseph @Kwamee_Kwame @Lawal @muluberhe2 @MartinMwape @Nyangss @Nathaniel_Ofori @princeappiahgh @Peter_Balaba @Pauline_Kalumikiza_M @pascalalex @shalom @sakkie @SammyRay22 @tumchaz34 @Viola_Nuwaha @victorasumani @wengo @z
Wow, I am sorry I came in late. Would organize myself and get back in the next few hours. Happy to be a part.
Kwamee Kwame. Thanks.
Thanks everyone. I may say am late but I can also say something on this topic. I try to emphasise on proper timing of seasons in my broadcast. And I sometimes teach farmers on how to use improved methods of farming which can reduce on the negative effects of climate change.
@Mwesimus great that you teach farmers different methods of farming in relation to climate change but do they respond positively?
@Busi majority respond positively but of course some say they are expensive. Talk of irrigation in times of drought among others.
As a reporter, I visit the farms of farmers to ascertain the
effects of climate change. I visit the farms because it helps me understand the extent and write the story well. Most often I conduct my interviews on the farm or the land. I currently handle the business desk at LUV FM.
So as a broadcaster, I broadcast to my listeners the effects of climate change
especially on agriculture. I produce two stories on this very important issue every
week.
What I have noticed is that, interacting with farmers most
people attribute the changes in the climate to the wrath of God because of too
much sin.
From up-to-date information, I contact the Centre for
Scientific and Industrial Research in Kumasi. I sometimes rely on the Meteorological services for the weather report.
Thanks a lot for this topic on climate. I had to postpone my meeting with Farmers so as I could follow up the topic on Climate since the area has limited internet. I always meet farmers and experts in the field. This time around we we are to discuss on climate change and its effect and hear the challenges the farmers face. With the experts around, the farmers ask questions and receive answers as I record them.
With the questions and answers at hand, I package the program which is broadcasted on radio daily for the benefit of other farmers.
Hello everyone
In Week 2 we were discussing reporting on the effects of climate on farming and what farmers are saying.
Big up to all that shared their experiences. We believe others will still contribute even though we are now in Week 3.
We asked the following questions:
Experience shared show that most broadcasters use approaches like news reporting, spots, public service announcements, testimonies, inserts, interviews using experts, role models and real situations.
In terms of how farmers respond to the information they receive on climate change, it was shared that some respond positively and adapt to change while others do not take note of advice given or ignore warnings because of their beliefs. These include superstitions. One even mentioned that other farmers believe that the climate change is a result of the wrath of God. Some comments clearly indicated that some farmers respond positively and understand what climate change is all about.
Sarah @smawerere mentioned that farmers in her area say hey have seen changes in planting seasons, they used to have two seasons in a year but nowadays only have one. Chris @krizo also mentioned that some only try to adjust their practices to changes and have not taken any interest on the causes of those changes. As Sarah said, some do not know the difference between climate change and weather.
To educate broadcasters and assist farmers, climate change adaptation projects help. Sakordie_Gideon mentioned how the FRI/GiZ project gave him more understanding and he was able to interact with farmers through focus group discussion and other methods.
To get the most current and reliable information on climate change, a lot of bodies were mentioned. These include local NGOs dealing with climate change, farmers themselves, meteorological authorities, educational institutions, agricultural officers as the best sources. Jacqueline pointed out workshops on climate change, researchers and government extension officers are other options.
Broadcasters still have a bigger role to play in making sure that they inform their farmers about relevant information on climate change and agriculture so they can be better prepared.
Cheers