Utilizing Multimedia Storytelling to Promoting Agroecology Practices in Curbing Climate Change in Rural Nigeria

Abstract

The current food system is practically inadequate to ensure food security for the entire country, or the food system is at a crossroads. The objective of the study was to identify multimedia storytelling devices to promote agroecological practices in curbing temperature modification in rural Nigeria. The study is anchored on the Theory of Change (ToC), while the survey research design was adopted with questionnaires as the instrument of data collection on a sample size of 381 respondents drawn from the study population (180,433). Results from the study revealed that a high community impact, which strengthens peer learning, builds two-way communication, and reinforces knowledge, was the effectiveness of multimedia storytelling devices in promoting agroecological practices in rural Nigeria, 150(39.6%) respondents said. The study concluded with 99 (25.9%);  82 (21.5%);  and 121 (31.7%) respondents who said that farmer-to-farmer demo clips, community vernacular radio programs, and participatory/street theatre as multimedia storytelling devices were used to promote agro-ecological practices in Nigeria. These devices would have been effective if rural farmers in Nigeria had welcomed and adopted this development. The saddening effect is that agroecology is fraught with challenges, namely, limited infrastructure, low digital literacy, and cultural perceptions that compromise its overall success in rural Nigeria. The study recommends, among other things, the need for public-private partnerships to leverage existing digital agricultural infrastructure and means in collaboration among government and private agencies.