Analysis of the Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Climate Change Awareness in Seke and Murewa Districts of Zimbabwe

The paper provides an analysis of the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in contributing to climate change awareness in rural areas namely Seke and Murewa districts in Zimbabwe. The literature review showed that for successful adaptation and mitigation by individuals and communities, information and knowledge about the nature of the problem, its causes, its effects and possible solutions, are a prerequiste. Agricultural communities can get information from the traditional agricultural extension system, however due to various constraints to the extension system, ICTs have the potential to reach a wider audience including even those with no access to extension. Of importance is to package the climate and climate change information in an appropriate form, language and time and ensure it is credible, legitimate, and salient as highlighted by various authors. The paper is based on primary data whereby both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. The study found out that the majority of respondents are aware of climate change. Though there are many different sources of information, ICTs were found to significantly influence climate change awareness. ICTs such as the radio and mobile phone are likely to increase the odds of being aware of climate change. Reading Farming/Environmental magazines also had a significant influence on the odds of being aware of climate change. However a negative relationship was found between television ownership and the odds of climate change awareness.