Transforming Communities in Africa

From the Summary

This paper highlights changes in the media landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa and possibility for increased citizen empowerment and social interaction to help transform lives and communities. It explores how changes brought about by media globally take place at a much slower place in Africa. Although efforts are creating growth in community-based media, a paradigm shift in the process of journalism is needed. Making reference to countries including Swaziland, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, this paper discusses how community journalism is linked to civic engagement and the effects on media of governments' efforts at nation-building. The relationship between journalists and the people they represent is examined, promoting a more citizen-centred approach.

The paper considers that community media should extend far out of urban areas, to reach all the constituencies it aims to serve. Reporters should cover rural and urban areas, know how the people feel, and share information that is important with the citizens of the community. The use of information to achieve greater participation of citizens that is essential to their growth, empowerment, and sustainability. Relationships must be forged between the media and the citizens as equal participants in this entire process.

The paper examines the relationship and differences between community journalism and community media, print and broadcast. It outlines a three-phase process of community journalism: consciousness-raising, working through issues with a community and issue resolution. It makes reference to the Pew Foundation, as a model for civic engagement, which segments the community into five groups, based on their position in the community and the forum in which communication takes place. It draws on the experiences of the Namibia Non-Governmental Organization Forum (NANGOF) in relaunching Katatura Community Radio, providing the tenets of their planning. There are further case studies from South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia of community radio initiatives.

The paper concludes: "Community journalism and community media together are the recipe for transforming communities addressing the need for social interaction and civic engagement. This partnership of community journalism and community media provide necessary integration to promote community identity, development, and increase human potential. From social interaction and citizen empowerment, people find the necessary resources to take control of their daily lives, give shape to their future, and transform their communities."

Contact Robert Moore by email at the address below to request a copy of this paper.