C LAUDIE I IKELA REPORTING ON CLIMATE CHANGE Challenges for African Public Service Broadcasters September 2009

Situation analysis Climate change is one of the main threats to sustainable development It impacts on economy, health, food security In some African countries it has resulted in tribal conflicts and even civil wars Rising sea levels, droughts and floods have become synonymous with Africa No formal reliable systems are in place to help educate our citizens to adopt to the changing environment C LIMATE C HANGE IN A FRICA

Role of PSB To educate the public on the impact their actions have on the environment To inform on sustainable use of natural recourses To give them the necessary information that can help them adapt to the changed environment. To interpret pre warning climate data in a language they understand to be better prepared. C LIMATE C HANGE IN A FRICA

1. Geographical location A vast sparsely populated country 825 thousand km2 The oldest desert in the world, the Namib stretches along the whole western coast. The Kalahari desert runs along the south eastern border with Botswana THE NAMIBIAN CASE STUDY

2. Weather pattern Very hot, and for the most part very dry Rain falls during the summer months ( Nov to Feb) Insignificant winter showers may result in occasional snowfall in the south. In general the rain falls are extremely unreliable Desertification is the biggest environmental threat

3. Rainfall Variability THE NAMIBIAN CASE STUDY

4. Temperatures & rainfall average THE NAMIBIAN CASE STUDY

5. Population 2 million ( 2004 census) Namibia still a rural society Only 33% of the population live in urban areas Total adult literacy rate is 88 % THE NAMIBIAN CASE STUDY

1. The NBC A single television channel mainly broadcasting in English Radio has ten stations broadcasting in 10 main local languages. ( Namibia has more than 100 languages/dialects ) TV has 2 indigenous bulletins every day. Our weather report is prepared by the met office. C LIMATE C HANGE REPORTING

2. Challenges No readily available data and weather information No specialized weather and environmental reporters to interpret climate data Diversified audience English terms v/s indigenous ones Even recourse persons are hard to find. Ignorance and negative attitude towards climate change. ( a foreign /European problem) Poverty : people worry more about where to get their next meal. C LIMATE C HANGE REPORTING

Challenges cont… The ability of reporters to break down climate change information to the level of a lay man. Our reports are more on facts and fail to highlight the causes and prevention of the problem Limited network coverage : not able to reach all Lack of basic facilities in rural areas to receive our signal C LIMATE C HANGE REPORTING

3. Way forward Training of reporters to interpret weather data into simple language, useful to the viewer. Have access to important information for early warning system Improve on regional integrated information systems Introduce regular programs on climate change Awareness campaigns through radio and television Improve on weather reporting C LIMATE C HANGE REPORTING