Environmental Communication: A Review of Information Sources and Communication Channels for Enhanced Community-Based Natural Resource Management in the Greater Mara Region of Kenya

Abstract

The Mara-Serengeti is an ecosystem of immense importance to both Kenya and Tanzania, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries and forming a rich biodiversity reservoir. This ecosystem is among the most threatened ecosystems on the African continent. Increasing human population density and changing lifestyles have escalated demand for ecosystem services including timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These activities have resulted in reduced land productivity and threatened livelihoods. This environmental communication study is aimed at providing a link between effective environmental communication and participatory sustainable natural resource management. It sets out to identify and prioritize natural resource challenges within the Mara region. It subsequently contextualizes the available and effective communication sources and channels to promote participatory approaches to natural resource management in light of several pressures challenging the Mara region. Specific attributes of the community under study are also taken into account in addition to the correlation between the information source and the message.

Communicating information on nature-related topics: Preferred information channels and trust in sources

“…For example, people who trust scientists on environmental issues are more likely to believe their message on climate change [20]. Oftentimes, if people do not trust the origin of information, they have a difficult time accepting and trusting the information presented, even if it is credible [21, 22]. Similarly, others suggest that trust in the source is needed for the public to take action in crisis situations [23].…”

Public Sphere and Dialogue Communication about Conservation in Kepulauan Seribu National Park

“…Penelitian mengenai dialog kritis oleh Sutarto (1999),yang menganalisis dialog kritis antara golongan elit dan warga desa dalam pembangunan; Schwandt (2001) melihat implikasi dialog kritis dan nilai serta makna dialog kritis dan Karlsson (2001) dialog kritis nilai dan maknanya, yang antara lain digunakan untuk menggambarkan pendekatan dialogis dalam praktek evaluasi stakeholder. Penelitian mengenai komunikasi lingkungan antara lain diambil dari penelitian Ahmad et al(2011), Caron et al (2011), Hansen (2011), Ross (2013), Ongare et al (2013), Dairymple (2013), Wynveen et al (2014), Pleasant et al (2002) mengenai perspektif praktis literatur komunikasi lingkungan, York & Mancus (2009).Penelitian mengenai pengurangan risiko lingkungan melalui komunikasi, strategi komunikasi lingkungan di antara pemangku kepentingan yang berbeda, tentang retorika lingkungan, melihat EVWs (Environmental World Views) dan kesadaran akan dampak lingkungan serta studi komunikasi lingkungan di Kenya dan Bostwana, ada pula penelitian terkait konservasi, yaitu penelitian Mahmud et al 2015, Yulianto et al (2011), Abubakar (2010), Marliana (2011), Harpin dan Satria (2015).…”

Topic Guide: Education, climate and environment

“…While much of this work has historically been located within industrialised nations, there is a growing body of evidence from research and practice in the Global South (cf. Bull 2013;Ongare et al 2013;Salem 2012;Collins-Figueroa 2012;González-Gaudiano 2007;Lozt-Sisitka 2004;Kwan and Lidstone 1998;Bekalo and Bangay 2002;Gadgil 2012).…”