The community is "praying to God for rain"
- Jan 1, 2026
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Dr Ruth Wainaina intended to document the current climate vulnerabilities of the Murang'a people and how they adapt to the changes. With her supervisor's guidance, she was advised to identify key components that hinder/support communication with the people of Murang'a. This called for a comprehensive literature review that highlights the impact of cultural and religious perspectives in communication. Her research, focused on establishing innovative measures of science communication, needed a communication framework aligned with the community's cultural and religious perspectives. She attended a write shop where she interrogated the existing literature on hindrances to communication, as well as on cultural and religious influences on communication.
Dr Wainaina said it has been interesting to learn what these communities know about the effects of climate change. "This really shifted my focus and thoughts: people who think the solution to climate change is in prayers are very hard to convince that they have a hand in it beyond repenting their sins. [...] However, in their own ways, they have adaptation measures. This really tickles me."
She found that the youth enjoyed infographics in her presentation. "That is their language of communication. The proverbial 'a picture is worth a thousand words', for the youth, infographics are the communication channels. They are also very innovative in making them." She found that, culturally, communities have their own beliefs about climate change, warning systems, and the reasons behind it.
The following stakeholders have been contacted to participate in the research project:
Local farmers – The audience.
Religious Institutions – to provide key informants (spiritual leaders), mobilise people, and demystify religious misconceptions about climate change.
Local government – To give authority for the mobilisation of people.
Community leaders – Mobilisation of people for an address on climate resilience.
Youth – For innovative science communication strategies such as skits, role play and posters.
CSO – Working with the GreatPlan Foundation to leverage their existing structures for climate resilience in Murang'a County.
Local Media House – Working with Radio Maria Murang'a due to its broadcast in the local dialect. Will have two months of weekly sessions to address climate change and recommended resilience strategies.
Educational Institutions – Invited Murang'a University to be part of this project by listening to consider including science communication in their curriculum, especially on environmental studies.
Faith-based institutions – such as the Catholic Diocese of Murang'a - for outreach and the provision of meeting facilities.
Private sector – in the agricultural industry, to provide tools and equipment for use in the recommended climate resilience actions.
Cultural groups – Involved "Kiama kia ma", a cultural group in Murang'a, formed by men who guide cultural activities. They also have a wealth of indigenous knowledge that will be tapped for adoption, demystification, and recommended changes in perception. This includes the early warning systems.
Dr Ruth Wainaina reporting on his progress for the following research project: Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Innovative Science Communication: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Murang'a County.
Edited by Heidi Sonnekus & Leti Kleyn for the FAR-LeaF programme.
