Decolonising Climate Change Communication Language for Sustainable Environmental Management in Plateau State, Nigeria's Jos North Local Government Area

The effects that climate change is having on current and future generations are multifaceted, with new repercussions constantly surfacing that put human and environmental health at a low point. Due to their oblivious environmental practices, rural areas are more susceptible to climate effects. The language used in communication is examined to determine how effective it is at guiding people through this natural slip to promote understanding of climate causes, mitigation, and adaptation. To encourage environmental awareness and action, it also becomes important to record indigenous languages. In Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, the study examines decolonising the Language of Climate Communication for Sustainable Environmental Management. With a foundation in Participatory Communication Theory, the study employed a combination of questionnaires and Focused Group Discussions (FGD) to gather data. Seven wards in the research area were used to distribute a total of 70 questionnaires to 70 responders. Sixty-seven completed surveys were validly returned for constructive analysis. Simple percentages were used to analyse the data and record it in tables. Thirty-five people participated in FDG, five of them represented each of the seven wards. Respondents stressed the importance of using indigenous languages to teach them about the causes, effects, mitigation strategies, and adaptation measures of climate change. The dissemination of information tends to resonate with them, instilling a sense of identity and inspiring them to take action. The study came to the conclusion that to increase participation in climate discussions, rural people must be included, and the best communication channel should be used. To guarantee complete inclusivity in promoting environmental sustainability, it was suggested that both governmental and non-governmental actors urgently need to enhance climate change communication in indigenous languages, employing visual, aural, and graphic arts, whenever possible, with cultural signs.

Environment, Culture, Indigenous Languages, Climate Change

1. Amos, A., Hambali, M. & Amoo, A. (2013). Adolescents’ Reactions to Climate Change and Environmental Issues in Lagos. A paper presented at the Section of Women in Science for the Developing World, African Conference. Hosted by the University of Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. October 15-18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Damar, J. & Bwakan, N. (2024). Interrogating the Efficacy of Educational Interlocution in Enhancing Climate Change Communication Amongst Early Learners in Selected Primary Schools in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Sciences. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.805073 Pp 1061-1072. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ekeka, I. & Adikuru, C. (2022). Climate Change Communication in South East Nigeria:Analysing Perspectives. International Journal of General Studies. Vol. 2, No. 1. Pp. 7-22. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Epelle, E. (2023). ‘The Importance of Indigenous Communication for Global Climate Action’.School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Federal Ministry of Environment (2010). National Environmental, Economic and Development Study (NEEDS) for Climate Change in Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Environment. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Freire, P. (1996). Pedagogy of Hope. New York, NY: Continuum.Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2017). Climate Change and Land.https://www.ipcc.ch [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Lawan, F. (2024, September 16). SOS for Maiduguri flood victims. Punch Newspapers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Mawa, F. (2023). What is Climate Change? Community Perception, Ayo Press, Abuja. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Mba, E. & Anyegba, M. (2013). Proper Dissemination of Information on Climate Change: A Comparative Study of the Roles of Official and Indigenous Languages in Nigeria. International Journal of Physical and Human Geography. 1 (2). Pp 21-30. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. McGahey, D. & Lumosi, C. (2018). Climate Change Communication for Adaptation: Mapping Community Pathways in Semi-Arid Regions. Journal for Sustainable Development in Africa. Vol.20, No. 1. ISSN 1520-5509. Pp 87-107 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Mishra, S. (2017). Development Communication and International Models. Journalism and Mass Communication. Odisha Open University, Sambalpur. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Olatumile, A. & Tunde-Awe, B. (2019). Effectiveness of the Use of Indigenous Languages Disseminating Climate Change Information for Sustainable Environmental Development in Nigeria. American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Vol. 1, No. 2. ISSN 2643-0061. Pp. 7-16. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Okafo, M. & Noah, P. (2014). The Role of Local Languages in Sustainable Communities Development Projects in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. European Scientific Journal. 1(2). Pp. 272-283 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Onyaga, C. (2023). Izanu Africa: Co-Created Agri-Insurance for African Farmers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Onyero, O. (2007). Dynamics of Indigenous Language in Environmental Communication.Lagos Papers in English Studies. Vol. 1(1): 228-235. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Technology and Innovation Report, 2023. http://www.unctad.org. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), 2024. ‘Creating Safer ResilientCommunities’. https://www.undr.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), 2020. ‘Six Areas of Concern’. https://www.unep [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. World Health Organization (2024). Climate Change: An Overview. @2024 WHO. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste - Case Study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Vietnam
• Youth Activism, Intentional Integration of Policies to Raise Awareness on Climate Change Action among the Youth
• Breathing Spaces: Environmental & User Experience in Dhanmondi and Zigatola Multistoried Apartments, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Effects of Solid Waste Disposal on Soil Quality in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
• Environmental Impact of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Borgu Local Government Area