-
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:
- How do you, as a broadcaster, currently report on the effects of climate on farming?
- What have you, as broadcasters, noticed from your interactions with farmers about farmersâ understanding of climate changes and how it affects their lands, access to water, crops, animalsâŚetc?
- As broadcasters, where do you go to get the best and most up-to-date information on climate change for your listening audience?
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