A recent study led by Professor Ayodeji Ifegbesan from Olabisi Onabanjo University sheds light on the factors influencing climate change consciousness (CCC) among citizens in several African countries. Published in Heliyon, this research explores how geo-demographics and sources of information shape public awareness of climate change, a pressing issue that poses significant threats to human health and livelihoods globally.
Professor Ifegbesan and his team, including Dr. Razaq Azeez, Professor Isaac Rampedi, and Professor Biodun Ogunyemi from Olabisi Onabanjo University and the University of Johannesburg, focused on data from the Afrobarometer, collected over a three-year period. “Our goal was to understand the dynamics of climate change consciousness, particularly in less industrialized countries of Africa,” said Professor Ifegbesan. The study found a generally low level of CCC among participants, with radio news identified as the major source of information.
The research revealed significant differences in CCC across various demographic segments. Women, for example, exhibited higher levels of climate change awareness compared to men. “Women in African communities are often more exposed to environmental factors and play crucial roles in agriculture, which may explain their higher awareness levels,” Professor Ifegbesan noted. Additionally, rural residents demonstrated higher consciousness than their urban counterparts, likely due to their direct reliance on natural resources and firsthand experience of climate impacts.
Educational attainment emerged as a key predictor of climate change awareness. Those with higher education levels showed greater CCC, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives. “Educational attainment was the single most potent predictor of climate change consciousness,” emphasized Professor Ifegbesan. The study’s comprehensive approach, utilizing statistical analyses such as t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression, provided robust insights into the predictors of CCC.
The findings also highlighted the importance of diversifying information sources. While radio news was the dominant medium, its effectiveness was limited by its one-dimensional nature. “There is a need for more engaging and multi-sensory approaches to climate communication,” suggested Professor Ifegbesan.
The study’s implications for policy and program development are significant. Enhancing climate change education and leveraging diverse media channels could significantly improve CCC among African populations. Furthermore, the research advocates for capacity-building initiatives to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate climate impacts.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the determinants of climate change consciousness in Africa, highlighting the critical role of education and information dissemination. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can better equip African communities to face the challenges posed by climate change.
Journal Reference
Azeez, R.O., Rampedi, I.T., Ifegbesan, A.P., & Ogunyemi, B. (2024). Geo-demographics and source of information as determinants of climate change consciousness among citizens in African countries. Heliyon, 10, e27872. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27872
About the Authors
Ayodeji Peter IFEGBESAN a Professor of Social Studies and Environmental Education in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. He holds the doctorate degree in Environmental Education from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and for three years was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interest is in issues of human-environment interaction-an aspect of Social Studies, curriculum development analysis, teacher education, environmental education, waste management, recycling, natural resource conservation and sustainable development goals related topics.
Razaq Olugbenga AZEEZ is currently an Associate Professor at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, where he teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His work has majorly focused on personnel functioning, workplace dynamics, career/vocational development, creativity, emotional management and peacebuilding. He had served on consultation teams for DfID, GIZ, MISEREOR on topical issues such as gender mainstreaming, prefeasibility studies, budget analysis, sector investment analysis, and project evaluation. He has published over 30 articles in national and international journals, conference proceedings, chapters in books and technical reports. He is currently Acting Director of the Prof. Olubi Sodipo Counselling Centre of the University.
Professor Isaac T. Rampedi lectures environmental management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. His area of expertise entail understanding threats to environmental quality, sustainability, and the prevention of environmental degradation and pollution by means of applying the various tools and techniques within the framework of integrated environmental management (IEM). Such techniques include amongst others, environmental impact assessment (EIA); life cycle assessment (LCA); stakeholder engagement (SE), and impact minimization and mitigation (IMM). His research also entail providing solutions to the management challenges associated with municipal wastes at various scales, including the role of municipalities, households, and businesses in the generation, re-utilisation and recycling of waste materials.
Professor Biodun Ogunyemi specialises in Curriculum Studies with interests in Geography Education, Environmental Education, and Social Studies and Citizenship Education. He has participated and led in national and international multidisciplinary projects on Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Finland. Ogunyemi has published extensively in the curriculum-related subfields. After enlisting at the Olabisi Onabanjo University in 1988, Ogunyemi has served on visiting appointments and academic assignments in several other Nigerian universities including University of Ado-Ekiti, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Lagos, Akoka, and Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin.
