ACPC and DRP in Cameroon

 

Cameroon's economy depends mainly on agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources remain the driving force for the country's economic development. Fluctuations in national income are due not merely to the decline in world demand for Cameroon's traditional agricultural exports or to mistakes in economic policy making, but also to the unexpected changes in the weather.

 

So one of the main issues faced by Cameroon's rural communities is climate change. Regularly, there are growing reports of flooding, droughts and bushfires as a result of weather fluctuations.

 

This has made it difficult for local farmers to know when to till the soil, when to plant and when to expect a harvest. 

 

This is where community radio can play an important role by sensitizing local communities about adaptation and mitigation steps.

 

Since more than 70% of Cameroon’s population live in rural areas where radio signals from state-owned radio cannot be received, this makes the country’s remaining 60% dependent on community radio stations -- the principal media for disseminating urgent information.

 

A lack of information on climate change is one of the main obstacles facing farmers in Cameroon. About 80% of farmers have not taken any measures to adapt to changes in the climate according to the Institute of Agricultural Research (IRAD).

 

Developing Radio Partners is teaming up with two community-based stations in Cameroon to bring climate change information to rural communities. DRP is working with its partner stations to help them enrich their programming on the environment.

 

The partners are:

 

Bonakanda Rural Radio in Bonakanda Buea

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bonakanda-Community-Rural-Radio-128673380510242/timeline/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lebialem Community Radio in Menji