Caring for Water, Plastics, and Trees: Community Radio and Digital Media in Kenya’s Environmental Movements

ABSTRACT

This essay delves into the critical intersection of environmental conservation and communication, particularly in the context of Kenya. Environmental stewardship is a moral and existential obligation to safeguard the fragile equilibrium of Earth's ecosystems. Effective environmental communication is crucial to empowering individuals to take action through clear information dissemination, collaboration, and community involvement. Community media, in general, are powerful tools for amplifying environmental messages and encouraging local engagement. This essay highlights three campaigns to show how radio and digital media help amplify campaigns for water, plastics, and trees. In conclusion, there is an urgency for collective global action in combating climate change and environmental degradation. Environmental communication, driven by storytelling, community engagement, and digital tools, is instrumental in fostering a sense of care for the environment, thereby catalyzing positive change.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental conservation
• community media
• climate change
• digital campaigns

Introduction

We find ourselves at a crucial juncture in history, where industrialization, technological innovations, and the pursuit of progress have become the norm (Smith, 2022). In light of this, the need for environmental conservation has never been more paramount, given the escalating impact of human activities on our planet's ecosystems and the looming threat of climate change (United Nations, 2019). The ability of future generations to thrive and survive depends on our ability to recognize and address the threats to our environment, as well as to identify better paths for our future towards a harmonious and conflict-free society. Preserving the environment is not only a recommendation but a moral and existential obligation (Johnson, 2021). The intricate interdependence of ecosystems on our planet is crucial to the survival of life. It provides us with protection through its dense forests, sustains us with its fertile soils, and quenches our thirst with its pure waters. However, our unwavering pursuit of progress has often resulted in the neglect of nature's fragile equilibrium, resulting in unintentional environmental deterioration. The inherent interconnection of all life on Earth is the key to the solution. Every living thing, from the smallest bacterium to the most giant redwood trees, is intimately intertwined; with each thread in the web of life depending on the other's existence. The fabric unravels when one thread becomes weak, and the effects go far beyond what our senses can immediately detect.

As we set out on this journey, we explore the complex relationships that exist between environmental health and human well-being, analyze the problems we face, and shed light on how community media may spark action. Join us as we journey into the center of environmental care, where the past and the future meet and where each person's voice may serve as a catalyst for significant change. Together, we can bring about a day in which environmental protection is a given and where local media is a powerful partner in this admirable cause (Global Environmental Protection Agency, 2021).

When we talk about care for the environment, this essay tries to conceptualize it in terms of empowering members of society by showing them that their actions can make a difference. Such actions may include stopping the use of plastic bags and disposing of waste in a more environmentally friendly way. These efforts require communicating clear information about steps individuals can adopt to contribute to environmental protection, from small lifestyle changes to larger advocacy efforts. There is always a need for collaboration and community involvement which in many cases could foster a sense of collective responsibility (Johnson, 2021), and emphasize that positive change requires the efforts of many people working together. On the other hand, the concept of “care” in environmental communication strives to foster empathy, concern, and responsibility for the environment.

To achieve this objective of care, effective communication techniques are essential. To be “effective,” I argue, recognizes that dealing with environmental challenges demands more than simply imparting information. It also necessitates forging emotional ties with people and communities to motivate them to take action and effect change. Using the strategy of triggering emotional responses, people are more likely to engage with the message on a personal level and feel compelled to take positive actions to protect the environment. To achieve this strategy, alternative media is crucial in spreading information to those who lack a voice (Ong’ong’a, 2022). It provides a platform for communities to share their stories about environmental issues that impact their societies, as well as how people can act more sustainably in concrete ways. In Africa, and specifically in Kenya, alternative media is viewed as a catalyst for discussions on climate change issues and the protection of the constantly changing environment. Therefore, this essay dives into the urgent need to protect the environment, examining the many factors that should make environmental preservation a top priority in our society. It also looks at community media, a potent ally in the fight to save our world and conceptualize care in environmental communication.

More specifically, local newspapers, radio stations, social media pages, and other forms of community media have emerged as a potent force in amplifying the message of environmental care and mobilizing communities toward sustainable action. Community media refers to media platforms that are owned and managed by members of society (Mano & Mukhongo, 2016). These platforms can take various forms, including radio stations and social media communities. It's important to note that they serve as a crucial avenue for amplifying the voices of individuals who may not have access to a platform to speak on issues that concern them and their communities. Additionally, they offer a forum for conversations on topics such as environmental conservation and community-driven solutions to problems that can be put into practice (Carnohan et al., 2021). Social media platforms act as crucial community linkages, establishing a sense of identity and belonging. Their responsibilities go beyond only covering the news, they also serve as a forum for discussion, exchange of ideas, and community empowerment. Local issues, values, and traditions are deeply ingrained in community media, which allows them to flourish. They are led from the bottom up and are frequently the most relied-on information providers in their communities. It effectively advocates for environmental causes by amplifying the voices of people most directly impacted by local ecological challenges (Kenya Environmental Action Network, 2020). The platforms are crucial for raising environmental awareness due to their proximity to communities, trustworthiness, tailored messaging, accessibility, inclusivity, and interactive engagement. These outlets provide localized context, credibility, and diverse perspectives, empowering individuals to take action and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Digital campaigns and tools also have emerged alongside legacy media such as radio to address environmental challenges. Nonprofit Earthrise Media uses satellite imagery and social media to track deforestation in real-time, engaging a global audience in forest conservation (Earthrise Media, 2023). The Plastic Tide uses machine learning to identify and map plastic pollution on beaches. #ClimateStrikeOnline demonstrates the resilience of environmental movements during the COVID-19 pandemic (ClimateStrikeOnline, n.d.). Digital Storytelling Platforms like Exposure, Adobe Spark, and StoryMapJS empower environmental advocates to create interactive narratives to raise awareness. Technology and social media have ushered in a new era of environmental communication, allowing for broader reach, impactful storytelling, and global collaboration. Despite challenges like misinformation and information overload, these campaigns and tools continue to emerge, demonstrating the capacity of digital platforms to drive positive change in environmental advocacy.

Next, I want to provide a brief context of Kenyan environmental stewardship. Then, for the remaining of this essay, I will ground my concepts of community media and environmental care in three concrete advocacy campaigns active in Kenya today.

Kenyan perspective on care for the environment

Kenya has emerged as one of the African countries pioneering in protecting its environment through community media and initiatives. These initiatives have created a vast knowledge base where issues related to environmental degradation are discussed as well as local solutions to such problems. Nairobi is the location of the United Nations Environmental Programme. In addition, Kenya has remained a strong advocate for making the sustainable use of Ocean and Blue Economy resources a development priority (Kenya Maritime Authority, 2022), holding the firm belief that significantly increased investment in this essential sector can end hunger, reduce poverty, create jobs, and spur economic growth. Furthermore, it remains the anchor of stability in the Horn of Africa and commits to partner with other international partners to check on long-standing conflicts, poverty, and vulnerability to climate change in the region to inspire a more just, peaceful, and equitable world. This means that Kenya does this in recognition of the fact that Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change and climate variability. Which therefore requires urgent collective action on climate change to stop this global threat to humanity and calls for a candid conversation about how to adapt and protect vulnerable populations without leaving entire regions of the world behind. This also means that it plays a role and is a total commitment to Green Energy while focusing on reversing the effects of climate change and adapting to sustainable ways of living and working for our benefit and the benefit of the generations that will come after. As a result, this gives us a glimpse into how Kenya cares for the environment and the need to illustrate the case studies on how care for environmental communication is undertaken.

Case 1: “Maji ni Haki” (“water is a right”): community radio initiative for water conservation

Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC) is an initiative founded in 2014 by young community members with the aim of promoting social justice in Mathare slums. The area has suffered from violence that has gone largely unresolved by the government, leading to a great deal of fear and uncertainty among community members. Land grabbing, forced evictions, police abuse, extrajudicial killings, political impunity, and other forms of economic, social, and psychological violations are among the many issues that people in Mathare face. MSJC's vision and mission is to promote social justice by engaging with the community, building social movement platforms, and working towards a world free of human rights violations. The center is involved in several campaigns, including the Green Movement (an ecological justice campaign) and the water rights campaign (Mathare Social Justice Centre, 2023).

Water scarcity, dry spells, and illegal water tapping in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya have caused conflicts among slum dwellers and the county government. In response, Mathare Radio, a community radio station, and MSJC-TV initiated the “Maji ni Haki” program in 2018. The Swahili term “Maji ni Haki” translates to “Water is Right”. The initiative aimed to address the water crisis by broadcasting educational programs on water conservation and hosting call-in sessions for locals to share their water-saving strategies. Mathare Radio and TV partnered with neighborhood water resource authorities, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to spread awareness about water conservation. The initiative has led to significant changes in the community's water usage, including the adoption of water-saving technology, protection of natural water sources, and installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

The station and the center became a reliable resource for information, encouraging neighborhood participation in water conservation initiatives and reducing regional disputes over water resources. As they write:

We would like to know why the Government, both County and National, talk about water in the Constitution, Vision 2030 and when signing the MDGs and SDGs, but actually don’t care that the majority of Nairobi and the country don’t have access to clean, safe and adequate water? … As this participatory report shows, many in Nairobi are still struggling for water, for dignity, for their children and their livelihoods. Without it they can’t wash school uniforms, [for] themselves or their children. They also can’t put out fires. (p. 35)

Critiquing the careless of governments and identifying the cost of a lack of water access, this report and their broader campaign underscore the environmental exigence/urgency the community feels.

Case 2: “Plastic-Free Lake Victoria”: a social media campaign for environmental conservation

Plastics are a major issue in Kenya and globally. The Global Plastics Treaty recently was negotiated in Nairobi to address plastic pollution (will be done by the time this is published). Of the many issues, clogging waterways is a key problem.

Lake Victoria, a shared African Great Lake located between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, faces environmental challenges, including plastic waste pollution. A grassroots environmental group in Kisumu, Kenya, named End Plastic Soup launched the “Plastic-Free Lake Victoria” campaign to address this issue in 2023. The campaign, launched on social media platforms, used the hashtag #PlasticFreeLakeVictoria on Instagram and Facebook to encourage online discussions and calls for action. The group organized regular clean-up events and partnered with local schools to educate students about reducing plastic waste and to encourage them to take action. The campaign gained traction both locally and internationally, drawing attention to the urgent need for action (EndPlasticSoup, 2022). Social media users, including influencers and celebrities such as an 11 year old Young Ambassador Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun Githae, joined the cause, expanding its reach. The campaign inspired similar initiatives in neighboring countries and encouraged local businesses to adopt plastic-reduction measures. Over time, the volume of plastic waste entering Lake Victoria has decreased, and local communities have become more engaged in preserving the lake's ecological integrity, though there is more left to do. Kisumu Environmental Champions (KEC) is a collective based in Kisumu County that advocates for climate justice and environmental conservation. They have initiated a campaign called #LetlakeVictoriaBreatheAgain, which has gained immense popularity on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The campaign is aimed at educating children, teenagers, and youths of Kisumu County about the environment. The champions came up with a creative idea of using their modeling skills to amplify their message. They marched along the beach carrying posters and placards with messages to stop fossil fuels in order to protect the lake and emphasize the importance of safeguarding this vital ecosystem. Through their striking visual display, the champions made a powerful statement that rallied for collective action and a cleaner, breathable future for Lake Victoria and its surrounding communities. This goes to show that even at a young age, individuals can take action in regard to environmental issues. As they post:

Nothing is more important than creating awareness about the problems we have caused in our ecosystem. Our Lake Victoria is now under threat, leading to the loss of many fish species. On 16th September we were privileged to hold a global climate strike so that we wouldn't go into war with aquatic animals.

Case 3: “#WeLoveAfricanacity”: social media organizing to plant trees

One of the reasons Kenya is recognized as a global environmental leader is Wangari Maathai, who created the Greenbelt Movement to plant trees (Chirindo, 2016). Kenya has a rich diversity of native tree species with more than 1,100 native tree species, 40 of which are endemic. More than 10% (120) of Kenya’s tree species are threatened with extinction. Due to the high number of threatened tree species present in the country, there is an urgent need for well-planned conservation action underpinned by current, reliable information on the distribution, habitat, populations, key sites and major threats, to ensure that none of Kenya’s tree species becomes extinct (Harvey-Brown & Shaw, 2020). More recently, several technological and local NGOs in Kenya have teamed up in a remarkable initiative to plant 5 billion trees within the next 5 years as a means of combating climate change (Greening Kenya Initiative Trust, 2023). Partners, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, are determined to establish a robust, comprehensive, and fruitful collaboration that integrates climate change response into their operations. This partnership will mitigate the adverse effects of a changing environment and enhance the resilience of Kenyan communities. Intending to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032, Kenya aims to demonstrate its leadership in the field of climate change and seeks partners in forest restoration. As part of this endeavor, telecommunications companies such as Safaricom and financial institutions like ABSA have embarked on a commendable project to adopt and restore key forests in need of reforestation across Kenya. Through this partnership, they aim to plant a minimum of 10 million trees to combat climate change. Such initiatives are propagated in social media through hashtags like #AbsaSustainabilityAgenda #WeLoveAfricanacity #PartnershipsForGood. As the post:

The concept of climate action must be drawn from the broader environmental principles that take the ecosystem based approach in solving environmental issues. The local communities need to be engaged in order to facilitate the realization of green economy at grassroot level. The key to climate and green economic transformations lies with the local communities. We have partnered with Safaricom in a noble project to adopt and rehabilitate key forests that need reforestation across Kenya. Through the partnership, we aim to plant at least 10 m trees as we fight against climate change. As part of this effort, Safaricom will plant 5 m trees, with Absa planting another 5 m. To kickstart this, we are at Kinale Forest in Lari where we’ll be planting 10,000 trees. (Absa Bank Kenya, 2023)

Conclusion

This essay set out to introduce a few of the many ways Kenyan environmental advocates express care through environmental communication. The three case studies highlighted in this essay gives us a glimpse of how care for environmental communication is propagated through radio and social media. It shows that there is power when individuals come together to fight the negative elements brought about by climate change as well as mitigation measures to allow the society to live in a more sustainable environment.

Climate action is not a Global North issue or a Global South issue, but a collective challenge, and which affects all of us. Food insecurity is a rapidly expanding problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the country's drought is putting millions of people at risk of hunger. Climate change and unreliable weather patterns have harmed agricultural yields, driving subsistence farmers deeper into poverty. This calls for everyone to come together to find common, global solutions to this menace. The power of storytelling and community engagement is key to connecting individuals to the broader narrative of environmental care. Community engagement is a catalyst for change, as active participation in environmental initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their surroundings. This sense of agency can lead to greater support for sustainability measures, and conservation efforts, and even influencing local policy decisions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).