Role of community radios in information flow and social accountability in Simaniiro and Sengerema Districts, Tanzania
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Date
2011
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study sought to identify and analyze the existing official information dissemination
channels in Simanjiro and Sengercma Local Government Authorities (I.GA): to assess the
contribution of community radios on information asymmetry between I.GAs and citizens:
and to examine whether community radios have enhanced social accountability of I.GAs
leadership. The data were collected through questionnaire survey, in-depth interview and
focus discussion groups. A sample of I 500 respondents (500 in each district) was obtained
using systematic sampling procedures. The data were analyzed through Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis techniques. The study found that official
information dissemination systems included prescribed public and technical meetings.
notice boards, advertisement in the national newspapers as well as radio stations both
commercial and community based. These methods, however, were unable to furnish the
citizens w ith relevant information, making it difficult lor these communities to foster social
accountability. On information flow, it was found that despite its popularity with local
audience. LGAs do not channel much of their information through community radio.
However, the medium offered the citizens w ith substantial general information through its
regular programs. With regard to social accountability, findings show that community
radio is a prelude to social accountability of LGA officials. This is because community
radio has opened extra avenues through which citizens could express themselves openly
without fear: and has enhanced dialogue with LGA officials. hence foster social
accountability. I low-ever. the influence of community radio on social accountability is still
at infancy stage. This study, therefore, recommends that LGAs should have a clear policy'
Government should promote the establishment of rural community radios. Third, the funds
used to pay' for advertisements in national newspapers in districts w ith community radios
on how' to disseminate information through community radios. Second, the Central should be used to buy airtime. Lastly, there is also a need to rethink of the use of ethnic
community languages for rural community radio initiatives in order to speed up
information flow, communication and promotion of local content.
Description
PhD Thesis
Keywords
Information dissemination channels, Information flow, Community radios, Social accountability, Sengerema District, Simanjiro District, Tanzania