Analysis of Indigenous Communication Approaches for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation among Rural Farmers in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The inability of state and non-state actors to effectively communicate climate change using indigenous communication approaches continues to be a barrier to achieving mitigation and adaptation practices among rural farmers. In a study population of 3,748 rural farmers, the study was conducted to provide an understanding of the role of Indigenous communication approaches for climate change mitigation and adaptation among rural farmers using the Kawu, Igu, Zuma, Dota, Kaida, and Dobi communities of Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of FCT-Abuja as case studies. Using Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Participatory Communication theories, primary and secondary sources of data gathering, and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussions and questionnaires, the study found that Indigenous communication approaches play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaption among rural farmers. It established that rural farmers in FCT trust and act on information obtained through Indigenous communication approaches more than that of conventional media. The study concluded that rural farmers in FCT-Abuja rely on Indigenous communication approaches to access and share information about climate change mitigation and adaptation practices. The study recommended that state and non-state actors should deploy Indigenous communication approaches for climate change communication targeting mitigation and adaptation practices among rural farmers. Also, climate change communication by the state and non-state actors targeting mitigation and adaptation among rural farmers should be designed in line with Indigenous practices.