An Analysis of the Efficacy of Communication in Climate Change Mitigation in a Redd+ Project in Chyulu Hills, Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of communication in climate change mitigation in a REDD+ Project in Chyulu Hills, Kenya. The project's goal is to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) while also benefiting local communities in the Chyulu Hills Ecosystem. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the communication activities carried out by the Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project in mitigating climate change; to assess the effectiveness of the communication activities carried out by the Chyulu Hills REDD+ project in mitigating climate change; to identify the communication barriers to the effective adoption of the REDD+ project as a climate change mitigation mechanism and to examine the methods of communication preferred by the stakeholders of the Chyulu Hills REDD+ project. Participatory communication theory and diffusion of innovation theory influenced the research. The study used an evaluative research design and a mixed-method approach that included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Key informant interviews (KII) and questionnaires were used to collect data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, and data was coded and organized into thematic areas. Quantitative information was presented in charts and tables, whereas qualitative information was presented in prose. The study found that community members were aware of what REDD+ is. They learned at community meetings and workshops. The study revealed that community engagement was the most effective and popular communication approach used by the project to communicate to communities about the project activities. Furthermore, the study’s findings established that, despite the effectiveness of the various communication approaches used by the project, there existed communication barriers that affected the adoption of the REDD+ Project as a climate change mitigation mechanism. These barriers included: information/knowledge share, distrusting information sources, complexity nature of REDD+ information, and a lack of enabling communication infrastructure. The study also revealed that when it came to the stakeholders choosing a preferred channel of communication, the respondents preferred the project to use community radio. The conclusion of the study revealed that despite the complex nature of climate change communication particularly on REDD+, the efficacy of communication is crucial. There are many aspects in which REDD+ projects can communicate to its stakeholders and communities, and this can only be achieved if the project uses the appropriate channels of communication as well as communication approaches when carrying out project activities.