Dialogue for
Engagement and Behaviour Change
"In true dialogue, both sides are willing to
change"
- Nhat Hahn
When
India pledged its commitment to reducing its GHG emissions in the Paris
Agreement, it was apparent that the focus would be on clean energy
expansion in the country. With the cost of renewable energy at an
all-time low, clean energy security is now the political and foreign
trade focus in India.
Solar, wind, clean coal, nuclear and
hydropower policies will contribute to reducing emissions and may help
achieve the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement as may green
transport, waste to wealth and solid waste management systems. But
mitigation strategies will not entirely answer India’s ambition for
Climate Justice within the country without the critical application of
adaptation initiatives.
Climate change is a ‘threat multiplier’,
intensifying pressures on the livelihoods of 700 million people in rural
India that depend on climate-sensitive sectors. They need options and
techniques linking climate science with local conditions to adapt in
crucial sectors such as sustainable use of land and water resources,
forestry and biodiversity. Thus, the focus of seven of the 12 Climate
Change Missions on Adaptation and a National Adaptation Fund of 55.6
million USD becomes significant.
The rural community is alert to the
disruption climate brings to their crops, water resources and eco
systems. But they need capacities to develop consultative adaptive
options. And, to advance adaptation strategies and techniques as
lifelines, there is a need for innovative communication approaches.
Access to modern communication modes is
limited in rural areas and there is no universal methodology for climate
change communication, which can lead to behaviour change. This is why
verbal communication and engagement remain the most powerful means for
participatory communication.
One such communication innovation has been
the coming together of communities, scientists and policy makers, at the
district level, for the co-production of content through a process of
dialogue for engagement. It is inspiring to imagine the power of science
blended with local experience to create contextualised content for local
adaptation solutions.
Shubh Kal (for a better future)
campaign on climate risks and adaptation solutions broadcast by role
models on community radios in Bundelkhand is one such initiative. Its
approach is not to use fear but the nurturing of engagement with methods
and tools that are gender-sensitive, participatory and simple. Community
interactivity and participatory dialogue, street theatre and puppet
shows, competitions, IEC material and training are used as engagement
tools. The result is a number of women, youth and farmers in over 200
villages getting enabled to catalyse climate change awareness and
understanding. This Shubh Kal campaign has expanded in over 800
villages. The aim is to strengthen livelihoods of rural communities in
this climate vulnerable region.
The accessibility, flexibility and potential
for inter-cultural communication has made the Shubh Kal campaign
a model to emulate. Maybe it is just a process, but it is a process for
change. With a communication approach that uses dialogue for engaging
rural communities, there is every probability that there will be
behaviour change. Therein, lies the path for ‘dialogue to engagement.’
■
Indira Mansingh
imansingh@devalt.org
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