Radio stations in Chad raise profile of environmental challenges using digital technology
Related project
Afri'KibaaruOn the banks of Lake Taba, a fisherman explains how climate change is affecting his job. In Moundou, a vegetable producer talks about how the lake has dried up and the dire consequences of this for his crops. Both men are being interviewed by journalists from three community radio stations in Chad who received training last week on how to incorporate digital technology into the content they produce. This article looks back at a week of coaching.
In the Greater Sahel region, few local media outlets produce news that is able to raise awareness of sustainable development issues and solutions among their audiences. However, such outlets play a crucial role when it comes to informing people and contributing to changes in behaviour.
To support the production of climate, gender and health-related content, CFI is implementing the Afri'Kibaaru project in the Greater Sahel, and particularly Chad, where 11 journalists recently received climate, gender and health training in Moundou. These 11 journalists come from three community radio stations operating in Southern Chad and met for a week to discuss the inclusion of digital technology in the work they undertake at the stations. The cross-station coaching was led by three experts, who blended theory and practical learning, and focused on the use of Facebook, in particular.
What the journalists have to say
Dénéregnodji Félicité, Head of Réveil FM in Goré, says she has acquired new technical skills that will help her to integrate digital technology into her radio station. "I was taught some new things and also learned skills for which I had barely scratched the surface, including how to create a Facebook page and account or how to edit a podcast", she beams. The Head of Réveil FM says that she is ready to embrace digital tech: "Our community radio station will become more prominent," she hopes.
Beteloum Benoit-Joseph is a programming and news coordinator at Radio Soleil Kar-Uba in Moundou and states that this coaching, with input from three community radio stations, was a new experience: "Digital technology will help us to boost and diversify our content using Facebook and other platforms. Our followers will exist all around the world, not just in Moundou, thanks to content being available to thousands of subscribers. This coaching is a launchpad. Together, my team and I are going to study the practicalities of digital tech and include it in what we do."
Fierté Ouattara is in charge of programming at the La Voix du Paysan (VDP) radio station in Doba and believes that digital technology will help them reach a wider audience, stating "digital technology could represent a new revenue stream for us".
However, the coordinator at Radio Kar-Uba stresses that integrating digital technology at these radio stations poses operational challenges for community media organisations, linked to funding and equipment. "Our success hinges on having a wireless connection, a laptop, a high-performance camera, a tripod and a clip mic. The willingness is there, but the equipment isn't", he rues. His organisation nevertheless set up a Facebook page at the end of the training and is beginning to post content: "It's a team effort. A brave heart can accomplish anything!". Dénéregnodji Félicité also remains optimistic: "Every single dream has an impact. Everything will work out fine if you have an overriding sense of drive and determination. We will achieve what we are setting out to do, despite our location and the haphazard nature of Chad's digital infrastructure".
