Training for Journalists on Pest Invasion in the IGAD Region
By: Emebet A. Jigssa with contributions from the IGAD Climate Change Technical Working Group
In recent years, the IGAD region has faced numerous challenges related to pest invasions, which have had devastating effects on agriculture and food security. To effectively address this issue, journalists need to be equipped with anticipatory action training in order to effectively raise awareness, disseminate information, and mobilise communities.
Media platforms, such as print, broadcast, and digital media, have a wide reach and the power to inform the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about pest invasions. Journalists can raise awareness by providing accurate and timely information. This awareness can lead to increased preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of pest invasions.
For example, journalist Nezar Abdalla Basheer, from Sudan places a strong emphasis on daily weather forecast in the morning radio show to keep listeners informed. He invites experts from Sudan Meteorological Authority (SMA) as guests on his radio programs to provide expert insights on weather conditions.
“We use graphics design to present our daily forecast on television in an engaging and visually appealing way. Additionally, I actively manage a Facebook page with over 60,000 followers, where I often post the daily forecast from the SMA to keep my audience informed,” he explained.
Journalists trained in anticipatory action can effectively disseminate information about pest invasions, including early warning signs, preventive measures, and response strategies. Through various media channels, journalists can reach remote and vulnerable communities, ensuring that vital information reaches those who need it the most. This information empowers individuals and communities to take appropriate actions to protect their crops and livelihoods.
By leveraging their platforms and incorporating expert insights, journalists can contribute significantly to raising awareness about pest invasions and their potential impact on agriculture and food security in the IGAD region.
Journalists like Linah Mwamachi, have played a crucial role in reporting on climate change, and transboundary pests in the region. With her expertise in interpreting maps on the movement of locusts and other transboundary pests and access to early warning information, they have been able to provide valuable insights to the public.
Lina explains, “In addition to my weather and climate feature stories and environmental stories that are aired on our radio station and social media channels for end user consumption, I also use the early warning information in news bulletins and online write-ups. I obtain early warning data from the Kenyan Meteorological Department, ICPAC, and the World Meteorological Organization,”. She further adds “This I use to provide end users with information, mostly by interacting with listeners on the radio to get their opinions onthe same; we accomplish this by leaving brief messages and taking calls in the studio. I see them in the field once again to get their input and assess the efficacy of the information that was conveyed.”
Linah Mwamachi has received recognition for her outstanding work, including winning prestigious awards such as the IGAD climate media awards in 2021 and 2023. These accolades serve as a testament to her dedication and expertise in reporting on vital environmental issues.
Media plays a crucial role in mobilising communities to take collective action against pest invasions. Journalists can use their platforms to engage with local communities, organize awareness campaigns, and facilitate community dialogues. By highlighting success stories and best practices, media can inspire communities to adopt anticipatory measures and build resilience against future pest invasions.
Similarly, media has the power to influence policy decisions and advocate for effective measures to address pest invasions. Journalists trained in anticipatory action can use their expertise to report on the impact of pest invasions, highlighting the need for policy reforms, increased funding, and research initiatives. By amplifying the voices of affected communities, media can drive policy changes that prioritize pest management and prevention.
As a climate change activist, Maura Ajak began her journey of information sharing and dissemination. Today, she works as a journalist for an international media outlet, covering a range of problems on multiple media platforms. She said that gets climate and transboundary pest data from reputable sources such as the ICPAC and the South Sudan Department of Meteorology.
“As a writer and social media influencer, I frequently post on my official Facebook and X pages (Twitter), as well as on other social media platforms like WhatsApp. Additionally, I take part in mentoring young journalists offline, guiding them on how to effectively use early warning data to inform the public about climate crisis”, explained Maura Ajak. Like other journalists, she also emphasized the importance of following up to assess the impact of information shared.
Media platforms provide a space for journalists to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another. Anticipatory action training programs can further facilitate networking opportunities for journalists across the IGAD region, enabling them to exchange knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches. This collaboration enhances the collective capacity of journalists to effectively report on pest invasions and contribute to regional efforts in addressing this issue.
According to Kenneth Mwangi, Project Lead and Early Warning Expert, effective communication of evolving risks is essential for enabling early warning and early action.
“IGAD Transboundary Pest Platform has found this training to be highly beneficial in enhancing our understanding of the effective utilization of scientific information for developing risk communication that is easily accessible to news agencies for various communication channels. We recognize the crucial role that journalists have in early warning reporting and through the training we co-designed risk profiling tools that facilitate effective advocacy of early action or anticipatory action. These tools are extremely valuable for our current and future efforts in preventing pest crises”, added Kenneth Mwangi.
The media’s role in facilitating proactive measures against insect incursions in the IGAD area cannot be overstated. Media outlets equip journalists with the tools they need to significantly mitigate the effects of insect invasions. As the IGAD region continues to confront these difficulties, the media’s role remains essential in promoting resilience and ensuring food security.
