Senegal: Strengthening Climate Resilience through Community Radio: Qualitative Insights from a Forest–Savannah Transitional Ecological Zone in Ghana

15th Annual Meeting of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS):

Rural Advisory Services in Higher Education and in Agricultural Policies and Programs

Senegal | 11-13 November 2025

https://www.g-fras.org/en/gfras/1144-a-briefing-from-the-2025-gfras-annual-meeting.html

Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Fred Nimoh, Shakila Dada, Tafadzwa Clementine Maramura,

John-Eudes Andivi Bakang, Fred Ankuyi

Abstract: Smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is still under serious threats of climate variability, with the adaptive capacity of farmers being strongly linked with access to reliable, timely and credible information. Climate shocks are rampant in the Forest-Savannah Transitional Ecological Zone in Ghana. As a result, the need for communication platforms (especially community radio) has increased, as they not only transmit information about the climate but also promote social learning, collective action, and community-level resilience. This study investigated the role of community radio in fostering social learning, collective action, and resilience among smallholder farmers in the Ejura Forest–Savannah Transitional Ecological Zone of Ghana. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with farmers, three focus group discussions, and two key informant interviews. Thematic analysis of the responses showed that community radio stations are credible sources of information on climate change, due to their use of local languages, cultural foundations, and compatibility with farmers' farming needs. Broadcasts influenced farmers' adaptation behaviour. Social networks enhanced the effects of radio by serving as peer-to-peer learning tools and disseminating information for collective decision-making. The use of technical jargon, inaccurate forecasts, and untimely broadcasting of projections were among the problems that affected the broadcasts' effectiveness, even though accurate, locally sensitive predictions strengthened credibility. The study recommends micro-climate-specific forecasts, participatory scheduling and stronger partnerships with extension services, farmer groups, and traditional leaders to enhance inclusivity and impact.

Keywords: Community Radio, Climate Action, Forest-Savannah Transitional Ecological Zone, Resilience, Social Learning, Social Network

Dr Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum presenting at the GFRAS conference.