Centre for Development Communication - Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications

The Centre for Development Research and Publications is committed to advancing knowledge that drives change. Our Peer-Reviewed Journal provides a credible platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share original research, critical analyses, and innovative perspectives on development.

Every article we publish undergoes a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of academic integrity, relevance, and impact. By curating evidence-based insights across diverse fields such as governance, climate change, communication, education, health, and community development, our journal serves as a bridge between research and practice.

We envision this platform not just as a repository of knowledge, but as a space where ideas inspire action, where research informs policy, and where scholarship strengthens the voices of communities.

At CDRP, we believe that knowledge must travel beyond the academy to shape societies — and our peer-reviewed journal exists to make that vision a reality.

Rural Farmers' Awareness of Climate Change Indicators: A Study in FCT, Abuja

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): FUAM Journal of Pure & Applied Science

Author: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

The exclusion of rural farmers from climate change discourse by policymakers and development partners, particularly Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), is often rooted in a disregard for their awareness of climate change indicators. This oversight undermines the effectiveness of climate change interventions targeting these communities. This study explored rural farmers’ awareness of climate change indicators in six farming communities—Kawu, Zuma, Igu, Dobi, Kaida, and Dota, located within the Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 348 rural farmers were randomly selected across the study areas. Data were gathered through a combination of primary and secondary sources, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed in the analysis. The findings reveal a high level of awareness of climate change indicators among rural farmers in the FCT. Specifically, the farmers identified altered rainfall patterns, shifts in weather conditions, increased temperature and heat intensity, and declining harvests as key indicators of climate change. The study recommended that policymakers and development partners, including NGOs, acknowledge and leverage the existing awareness among rural farmers by actively involving them in the formulation and implementation of climate change interventions aimed at their communities.

Keywords: Climate Change, Rural Farmers, Awareness Indicators, FCT-Abuja

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Rural Farmers’ Awareness of Climate Change Indicators A Study in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.pdf

Climate Change Adaptation: Examining Effectiveness of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Among Rural Farmers in Akpanya Community, Kogi State, Nigeria

Adamawa State University Journal of Scientific Research (ADSUJSR) Volume 12 Issue 2, 2024

Author: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

Our disregard for the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) contributes largely to the failure of state and non-state actors’ intervention targeting climate change adaptation among rural farmers. In a study population of an estimated 19,800 predominantly rural farmers in the Akpanya community of Igalamela Local Government Area, Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, this study was carried out to provide an understanding of the role of IKS in climate change adaptation. Using Indigenous Knowledge System theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussion and Interview Schedules the study found that farmers in the Akpanya community have over the years relied on IKS of traditional farming practices such as crop rotation and weather forecasting for climate change adaptation practices. It also, established that language barrier and the disregard for Indigenous knowledge are the greatest challenges facing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Akpanya community. This communication gap in the language barrier makes it difficult for younger farmers to understand IKS better and threatens its usage and sustainability in the community. The study concluded that IKS plays a fundamental role in climate change adaptation among rural farmers because it allows for homegrown solutions for environmental protection. The study recommended that climate change adaptation intervention by the state and non-state actors targeting rural farmers should recognize and integrate IKS to enable farmers to be actively involved in homegrown solutions that best safeguard their environment.

Keywords: Adaptation, Climate Change, Indigenous Knowledge, System, Community Farmers

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Climate Change Adaptation, An Examination of the Effectiveness of Indigenous Knowledge Systems among Rural Farmers in Akpanya Community, Kogi State, Nigeria.pdf

Effective Communication for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A Study of FCT-Abuja Rural Farmers in Nigeria

The Journal of Development Communication Vol. 35 No. 2 December 2024

Author: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

Effective communication that will enable rural farmers in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT-Abuja) to adequately understand climate change issues has continued to be a major barrier in mobilizing them for mitigation and adaptation practices. In a study population of predominantly rural farmers in the Dobi community of Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT-Abuja, this study was carried out to provide an understanding of the role of effective communication in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Using Participatory Communication Theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews, the study found that climate change communication targeting rural farmers is ineffective because the state and non-state actors rely on the use of English as a language of communication while targeting rural farmers who rely on Indigenous languages as a means of social interaction. The study also found that the use of Indigenous communication strategies is the most appropriate means of climate change communication among the Dobi people because they rely on it as the most acceptable and effective way of communication among themselves. The study established that the lack of community participatory practice in climate change communication results in the rural farmers’ poor understanding of the issues. Therefore, the study concluded that the non-involvement of rural farmers in the climate change communication process, and the adoption of English as a language of climate change communication disproportionately affect their understanding of the issues, resulting in poor mitigation and adaptation practices. Hence, the study recommended the active involvement of rural farmers in the communication process and the adoption of local languages for effective climate change communication when targeting rural farmers and population.

Keywords: adaptation, climate change, communication, mitigation, rural farmers

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Effective Communication for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation A Study of FCT-Abuja Rural Farmers in Nigeria.pdf

Examining the Effectiveness of Indigenous Language in Climate Change Communication in Communities of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Adamawa State University Journal of Scientific Research, Issue 1, 2024 Volume 12

AUTHOR: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

Effective communication that will enable the people particularly the rural dwellers to better understand Climate Change issues, continues to be a challenge confronting mitigation and adaptation action. In a sample representation of estimated 141,116 populations in the Jiwa and Barangoni communities of Federal Capital Territory FCT-Abuja, north-central zone, adopted as case studies, the study examined the effectiveness of indigenous language in Climate Change communication. Using participatory communication theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), the study found that using English as a language for communicating Climate Change does not lead to the locals’ understanding of Climate Change messages. This is mainly because a huge rural population does not have English literacy, but understands only Hausa and Gbagyi languages. Therefore, the study concluded that the use of English as a language of Climate Change Communication affects the rural dwellers understanding of the issues. Hence, the study recommended the use of indigenous language for effective Climate Change communication.

Keywords: Climate Change, Communication, Indigenous, Language, Communities

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Examining the Effectiveness of Indigenous Language in Climate Change Communication in Selected.pdf

Effectiveness of Participatory Communication and Community Development in Abuja, Nigeria

Lokoja Journal of Information Science Research, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024)

AUTHOR: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

A good number of development programs in Nigeria fail due to the inability of the state and non-state actors to facilitate active community participation in decision-making on issues affecting them through a participatory communication process. In a sample representation of an estimated 18,000 population in the Mpape community of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, North-Central Zone, the study was conducted to provide an understanding of the role of participatory communication in community development using the Mpape community as a case study. Using participatory communication theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), the study found that participatory communication facilitates full community involvement in addressing issues affecting them through a communication process. Also, the study established that community development initiatives that embraced participatory communication are more successful and sustainable than those that excluded participatory communication. The study concluded that participatory communication plays a significant role in community development. It facilitates a process that enables community members and all stakeholders to be actively involved in dialogue and negotiation of locally driven solutions on issues impacting them through a communication process. The study recommended that development intervention programs by the state and non-state actors should deploy a participatory communication approach to achieve success and sustainability.

Keywords: Communication, Communicty, Development, Participatory Role

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Assessing the Impact of Participatory Communication and Community Development.pdf

Examining the Impact of Climate Change on FCT-Abuja Farmers

Nigerian Journal of Policy and Strategy, Volume 21, No. 1, 2024

National Institute, Kuru (ISSN - 0189 5923)

AUTHOR: Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

Since Climate Change became a global challenge, farmers appear to be the worst hit with its consequences impacting food and agriculture. In a sample representation from populations in six communities of Federal Capital Territory (FCT-Abuja), Nigeria’s capital city, the North-Central zone, adopted as case studies, the study examined the impact of climate change on rural farmers. The study provided primary insight into Climate Change impacts on rural farmers using Climate Change Theoretical Models and qualitative data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The study found that FCT rural farmers lost their yam produce to the hotness of weather conditions, and recorded poor grain yields as a result of inadequate rainfall arising from Climate Change. Also, it established that rural farmers in FCT-Abuja lost their livestock farming to the hotness of weather that resulted in the dryness of pasture for grazing. Therefore, the paper concludes that in the Abuja area of Nigeria, climate change threatens the food security and livelihood of farmers, disproportionately affecting them and deepening their already precarious social existence. Hence the study recommended that state and non-state actors train rural farmers on the most effective Climate Change mitigation and adaptation methods using indigenous languages as a language of instruction for better understanding of the issues through agricultural extension
programmes.

Keywords: Climate change, Mitigation, Adaptation, Rural, Farmers, Agriculture

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Examining the Impact of Climate Change on FCT Farmers.pdf

Indigenous Communication Approaches for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation among Rural Farmers in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024): Lokoja Journal of Information Science Research (LJISR)

Authors: Prof. Emmanuel Suleiman Salau & Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

The inability of state and non-state actors to effectively communicate climate change through indigenous communication approaches remains a major barrier to achieving sustainable mitigation and adaptation practices among rural farmers. With a study population of 3,748 farmers, this research examined the role of indigenous communication in climate change mitigation and adaptation using six communities—Kawu, Igu, Zuma, Dota, Kaida, and Dobi—in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as case studies. Guided by Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Participatory Communication theories, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, questionnaires, and secondary sources. Findings revealed that indigenous communication approaches are central to strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation practices, as rural farmers in the FCT trust and act on messages transmitted through these channels more than those disseminated via conventional media. The study concludes that rural farmers in Abuja rely heavily on indigenous communication to access and share climate change information. It recommends that both state and non-state actors adopt indigenous communication approaches in designing and implementing climate change communication targeting rural farmers, ensuring alignment with existing cultural practices.

Keywords: Adaptation, Climate Change, Mitigation, Indigenous Communication, Farmers

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Indigenous Communication Approaches for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation among Rural Farmers.pdf

Participatory Communication Approaches for Family Planning Knowledge and Practices in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria

Covenant Journal of Communication: VOL. 11 NO. 2, DECEMBER 2024

Authors: Audu Liberty Oseni & Omale Gloria Eneh

Abstract

State and non-state actors continue to face challenges in effectively communicating family planning in a way that will enhance understanding, rather than its acceptance, making good practices difficult among men and women. The study objective was to examine the impact of participatory communication on family planning knowledge and practice among men and women in Abaji Central Ward community, Abuja, Nigeria. The study was hinged on participatory communication theory, while Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews were the methods from a population of 127,900. Findings showed that participatory communication facilitates a full understanding of family planning practices among women and men. The study established that participatory communication empowers women and men by enhancing their knowledge and attitude, making them accept family planning practice. The study concluded that participatory communication significantly impacts men’s and women’s understanding of family planning practices. It facilitates a process that enables men and women to be actively involved in a sincere dialogue on family planning practices through a communication process. The study recommended that family planning and other health interventions, such as immunisation, by the state and non-state actors should deploy and prioritise participatory communication approaches to achieve success and sustainability.

Keywords: Communication, Family Planning, Health, Participatory, Practices, Women

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Participatory+Communication+Approaches+for+Family+Planning+Knowledge+and+Practices+in+FCT-Abuja,+Nigeria+(1).pdf

Effectiveness of Participatory Communication and Conflict Resolution in Buruku Community of Benue State, Nigeria

National Open University of Nigeria, International Journal of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. VOL. 4, NO. 2, August, 2024

Authors: Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura & Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

It has been observed that many conflicts are unresolved because of the inability of state and non-state actors to facilitate active participation and full community involvement in addressing conflicts through a participatory communication process. In a sample representation of an estimated 203,721 populations in the Buruku community of Benue State, North-Central Zone, adopted as a case study, the study examined the effectiveness of participatory communication in conflict resolution. Using participatory communication theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), the study found that participatory communication facilitates active participation and full community involvement in addressing conflicts impacting them through the communication process. Also, the study established that conflict resolution initiatives that deployed participatory communication were more successful when compared to those that did not. Therefore, the study concluded that participatory communication is the most appropriate tool to address conflicts in pastoral communities. This is because it enables all strategic community stakeholders and parties to be actively involved in dialogue, and negotiations, and proffering homegrown solutions in addressing conflicts impacting them. Hence, the study recommended that state and non-state actors should deploy participatory communication in all interventions seeking conflict resolution among communities and individuals.

Keywords: Communication, Community, Conflict, Participatory, Resolution

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INTERROGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN BURUKU COMMUNITY OF BENUE STATE.pdf

Role of Effective Communication in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation among Dobi Community Farmers of FCT-Abuja, Nigeria

Humanising Science:Science Communication & Development in Africa 2024.

Authors: Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura & Audu Liberty Oseni

Abstract

Since the global community began to experience the impacts of climate change, devising effective communication that enables people to understand the issues and motivates them to adopt mitigation and adaptation measures has been a major concern for the United Nations as well as state and non-state actors. Using Yaba and Dobi communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as case studies, this study examined the effectiveness of climate change communication in rural communities. Guided by participatory communication theory, and employing Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) as primary data collection methods, the study found that existing approaches to climate change communication fail to promote adequate understanding among rural dwellers. Findings revealed an absence of participatory practices in climate change communication interventions targeting local communities, making it difficult for rural dwellers to fully assimilate messages. Consequently, they rely heavily on indigenous knowledge to interpret climate change realities. Furthermore, the use of English as the primary medium of communication was found to be ineffective, as most rural dwellers lack English literacy but communicate fluently in Hausa and Gbagyi. Physical, face-to-face interactions conducted in local languages were identified as the most effective approach. The study concludes that the exclusion of rural dwellers from the communication process, coupled with the reliance on English, disproportionately limits their understanding of climate change issues. It therefore recommends the active involvement of rural communities in the communication process and the adoption of indigenous languages as central to effective climate change communication.

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Effective Communication for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation A Study of FCT-Abuja Rural Farmers in Nigeria.pdf