Awareness and product knowledge of service stakeholders involved in the importation and distribution of HCFC-22 in Botswana

Abstract

Environmental problems such as global warming, ozone depletion and climate change remain universal subjects of concern, with baneful effects on both the environment and human health. The consumption and venting of ozone depleting substances (ODS) into the atmosphere are the chief anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion. One such manmade ODS with high global warming potential Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). The MP targeted to phase-out HCFC-22 with obligatory cut-off timelines for its use by 2040 for developing nations. To comply with the HCFC-22 phase-out timelines, meant at embarking on national communications to disseminate information on HCFC-22 phase-out through key stakeholders’ involvement. The achievement of HCFC-22 phase-out strategy depends on participation of key stakeholders in the implementation process. the level of awareness and product knowledge of service stakeholders in the importation and distribution of HCFC-22 in Botswana. customs officers, officers and industrial consumers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit key stakeholders’ views, opinions and perceptions on HCFC-22 phase-out awareness and product knowledge. Results revealed that 87% of the stakeholders are learned and knowledgeable in ODS related service provision. The level of HCFC-22 knowledge and awareness among stakeholders is moderate with distinguished inter-group differences. In particular, industrial consumers had the highest median level of HCFC-22 awareness than other stakeholders, indicating gaps in HCFC-22 phase-out awareness raising and training. About 67% of respondents had low levels of awareness of the HPMP and alternative technologies to HCFC-22. This proposes gaps in information dissemination to key stakeholders and this remains a crucial disparity between the country’s HPMP success lead and lag indicators. There is need to carefully select communication media used in line with the media consumption habits of target markets. Use of popular and commonly accessed social-media platforms would ensure that the HCFC-22 phase-out messages have high chance of reaching targeted stakeholders and the general population.