In Search of New Narratives for Informed Decisions on Climate Change Crisis in the African Drylands

Abstract

Sahel is one of the major African drylands whose experience of recurring droughts exacerbates its vulnerability to climate change. Its population is estimated to rise to over 200 million by 2050. This region has attracted attention of the global scientific communities, and for which interventions from scientists, intergovernmental institutions, and government agencies aim at reducing the impacts of climate change in the region. One of the areas that receive least attention is climate change communication in spite of its importance in reaching out to communities. It is also valuable informing other stakeholders of the relevance of indigenous knowledge in addressing climate change crises. Another justification for utilising climate change communication is informed by the huge deficit in real-time ground data, regional and local climate modelling in Africa. This chapter is proposing a framework that prioritises inclusion of local language, creative stories, indigenous climate knowledge and massive online open courses (MOOCs). The chapter further identifies the critical need for all the stakeholders in the region to embrace climate change communication as a link across the divides that have traditionally disconnected local communities, scientists, policymakers and local and global stakeholders. By using this approach, it will immensely help in supporting informed decision on what works best for people, institutions and the environment.