Community Voice and Participation in Climate Change Communication Through Community Radio in Malawi

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examines the role of community radio in increasing climate change awareness in Malawi. The article broadly reaffirms the importance of community radio in Africa in democratizing media access, more interestingly by using radio listening clubs in the production process and participation. The study used focus group discussions, participant observation and analysis of radio programs produced by members of Chanco Community Radio listening clubs. The study found that although spaces in which communities participate are controlled by experts, community radio and radio listening clubs have emerged as spaces for marginalized voices to share knowledge, and experiences about climate change and influence change. Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsChimwemwe Richard ChavindaChimwemwe Richard Chavinda is PhD graduate of University of Leicester, United Kingdom, in the School of Media, Communication and Sociology. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in English Language Teaching and Applied Language Studies from London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Malawi. His research interests are in the areas of Environmental communication and climate change, communication for development and social change, and public communication. He can be contacted at chimrichie@yahoo.co.uk