Radio Communication for Forest Conservation in Tanzania: a SWOC Analysis

Abstract This study investigated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges ( SWOC ) associated with the power of radio in communicating forests information to enhance community responsiveness to forest conservation in Tanzania. Data collection entailed the analysis of the content of a series of Urithi Wetu (Our Heritage) programme produced and aired by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation ( TBC ) radio, conducting interviews with key informants, administering questionnaires with citizens living adjacent to forests, and holding focus group discussions ( FGD s) with the villagers in the study area. The study established that, to some extent, radio presents some opportunities for easy communication of forest conservation information in a bid to influence communities to take the intended conservation action. On the other hand, the study found that factors such as poor packaging of forest information, lack of participation of the rural-based citizens in the programmes, and poverty among community members limited the power of the radio to influence effectively citizens to conserve forests.