Submitted | Local Media as a Tool for Drought Preparedness and Mitigation: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies in Developing Countries
- Aug 1, 2025
- 1 min read
Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Fred Nimoh, Shakila Dada, Wilhemina Hyde-Cooper, Rubaba Mohammed
Book chapter submitted to the Springer Nature Book series:
Climate Change Management | Climate Change in the Tropics: Understanding and Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change to Tropical Regions
Abstract: This systematic review synthesises evidence from 31 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 on the role of local media in drought preparedness and mitigation in developing countries. Community radio was the most prominent platform, valued for its accessibility, participatory nature, and ability to connect scientific forecasts with indigenous knowledge. The findings demonstrate that local media have improved early warning dissemination, promoted climate-smart farming practices, and enhanced the inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in resilience strategies. Key barriers included limited funding, infrastructural deficits, political interference, and uneven access. The review highlights local media as catalysts for awareness, behavioural change, and integration into national climate communication systems to sustain their impact.
Keywords
Climate Change, Drought, Local media, Mitigation, Preparedness, Systematic Review
