"From August to October 2009, the BBC World Service Trust’s Research and Learning group, on behalf of the British Council, conducted research in Tanzania to gauge public understanding of climate change. The research consisted of 12 focus-group discussions with Tanzanian citizens, as well as 17 in- ... depth interviews with opinion leaders from government, religious institutions, the private sector, the media and civil society. The overall objective was to find out what people think about climate change, and to determine how to tailor communication and media strategies to support Tanzania’s response to climate change. Key findings: Tanzanians have noticed changes in the weather and seasons. They say that temperatures have increased and that the rains are not falling as they used to. Many are struggling with the impacts of drought and are frustrated by increased environmental degradation and resource scarcity. Yet most Tanzanians have no understanding of the relationship between these issues and climate change. Most Tanzanians are unfamiliar with the concepts of climate change and global warming. They believe the term “climate change” refers to changes in the weather or seasons and have little knowledge of its global context or the greenhouse effect. Tanzanians draw on their existing knowledge to explain the environmental changes they experience. Most believe that humans are to blame but point to local deforestation and local pollution as the primary causes of the drought and environmental degradation they have experienced." (Executive summary) more

"In May and June 2009, the BBC World Service Trust’s Research and Learning Group, on behalf of the British Council, conducted research in ethiopia to gauge public understanding of climate change. the research consisted of 16 focus-group discussions with Ethiopian citizens, as well as 18 in-depth i ... nterviews with opinion leaders from government, religious institutions, the private sector, the media and civil society. the overall objective was to find out what people think about climate change, and to determine how to tailor communication and media strategies to support ethiopia’s response to climate change. Key findings: Drought and extreme weather are causing frustration across Ethiopia. Farmers and pastoralists in particular say they are struggling to survive. Ethiopians have noticed changes in their weather. they say that it is getting hotter and the rains no longer fall as they used to. Most, however, have no understanding of the relationship between these issues and climate change. Most Ethiopians are not aware of the concepts of climate change and global warming. they believe the term ‘climate change’ refers to changes in the weather or seasons, and most have no knowledge of its global context or the greenhouse effect. Ethiopians draw heavily on their beliefs and existing knowledge to explain changes in the weather and their environment. Many, particularly in rural areas, believe that god is ultimately responsible for the changes they’ve experienced, and feel that there is little they can do to respond. Others point to local deforestation and local pollution as the primary causes of the drought and environmental degradation they have experienced. Yet most ethiopians do not understand the role that trees or pollution play in the global climate system." (Executive summary) more

"In May 2009, the BBC world Service Trust’s Research and Learning Group, on behalf of the British Council, conducted research in Kenya to gauge public understanding of climate change. The research consisted of 12 focus-group discussions with Kenyan citizens, as well as 17 in-depth interviews with ... opinion leaders from government, religious institutions, the private sector, the media and civil society. The overall objective was to find out what people think about climate change, and to determine how to tailor communication and media strategies to support Kenya’s response to climate change. Key findings Drought and food scarcity are causing frustration and despair across Kenya. Farmers, fishermen and pastoralists do not know how they would cope if these problems became worse. Kenyans have noticed changes in their weather. They say that it is getting hotter, that the seasons have shifted and that the rains are more unpredictable. Most, however, have no understanding of the relationship between these issues and climate change. Most Kenyans are unfamiliar with the concepts of climate change and global warming. They believe the term “climate change” refers to changes in the weather or seasons and have little knowledge of its global context or the greenhouse effect. People need more information about the causes of climate change and how its long-term impacts will affect their lives." (Executive summary) more