Updated information on climate change are lacking in the Congo basin. Moreover, available data are worded in a coded language that impairs their use in decision-making and thus contributes to increase the gap between the information available at the global level and those circulating in the region. This work aimed at assessing the mechanisms of dissemination of scientific information in Central Africa in order to adopt the information channels and languages adapted to various stakeholders, according to their abilities and needs. It is in this context that radio platforms bringing together scientists, policy makers and the public have emerged in 2013 and 2014 in Cameroon and Congo.

This working paper sheds light on the impact of radio programs on the climate change knowledge of local populations in the Congo Basin. We provide an assessment of the change in knowledge of a rural village in the Congo Basin after inhabitants listened to one of the radio programs that were prepared on climate change. The document also provides potential indicators for result up-scaling. After applying a micro-economic model to a case–control experiment, both before and after exposure to one radio program, the results show an increase in knowledge of 22.3% attributable to the radio program. In addition, a series of reactions were recorded from different end users, such as other media, ministries, NGO representatives and researchers, who reacted positively to the broadcasts. We recommend the use of radio programs to increase knowledge and induce behavioral changes with regard to climate change adaptation and mitigation

Updated information on climate change are lacking in the Congo basin. Moreover, available data are worded in a coded language that impairs their use in decision-making and thus contributes to increase the gap between the information available at the global level and those circulating in the region. This work aimed at assessing the mechanisms of dissemination of scientific information in Central Africa in order to adopt the information channels and languages adapted to various stakeholders, according to their abilities and needs. It is in this context that radio platforms bringing together scientists, policy makers and the public have emerged in 2013 and 2014 in Cameroon and Congo.

This working paper sheds light on the impact of radio programs on the climate change knowledge of local populations in the Congo Basin. We provide an assessment of the change in knowledge of a rural village in the Congo Basin after inhabitants listened to one of the radio programs that were prepared on climate change. The document also provides potential indicators for result up-scaling. After applying a micro-economic model to a case–control experiment, both before and after exposure to one radio program, the results show an increase in knowledge of 22.3% attributable to the radio program. In addition, a series of reactions were recorded from different end users, such as other media, ministries, NGO representatives and researchers, who reacted positively to the broadcasts. We recommend the use of radio programs to increase knowledge and induce behavioral changes with regard to climate change adaptation and mitigation

This book considers the global question of climate change from local perspectives in the context of Central Africa. Bila-Isia Inogwabini examines attempts made by the international community to respond to the global challenges posed by climate change in the Congo Basin and highlights that these attempts have so far produced limited results. Abject poverty and the lack of academic, technical, institutional and governance capacities have made it difficult for these solutions to take root in local conditions. Taking a novel perspective, Inogwabini argues that what is needed is not austerity in the use of natural resources but rather increased material affluence for these communities, which will enable individuals to create their own ways to survive through the tides of climate change. He considers factors including social inertia, climate skepticism and lack of political structure and presents a climate change action plan that is targeted at the local level in the Congo Basin. Overall, this volume will be of great interest to students and scholars of climate change, global development and African studies more broadly.