The role of radio in rural economic development in kabale district a case of voice of Kigezi
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Date
2014-08
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University,College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study was stimulated by how voice of kigezi a radio in kabale district has helped to change the livelihood of people in kigezi region economically. The overall aim is to find out how radios and the local population of kabale district have worked hand in hand to bring about development in their area as well as households to bring about rural development. Voice of kigezi is the oldest radio station in kabale district and covers 99%of the region. Started in 1 980s it has been the sole source of news, education, politics, religious, sports and entertainment for generations. And although other radios have come up over the years like roots fm, hope fm etc. it still remains the main sought out station in the region. The over searching research question was: In what ways is voice of kigezi improving the lives of their local audience? The specific questions were: What kinds of developmental programmes are aired out by voice of kigezi? How does the community participate in the production of the radio programmes? What are the perceptions of the local people about the ways this radio are improving their lives? What do the radio editors and reporters conceive of the ‘developmental ‘role of radio? Despite some weaknesses in the radios’ programming and the mode of interaction with the rural people, the findings of this study show that the rural communities are better off today than in the old days when FM radios were non-existent. The FM stations have come up with different developmental programmes that have positively contributed to changing the rural people’s ways of life. These include programmes on farming, health, marital values, environment, cultural issues, human rights, democracy, law and order, religious teachings and peace and reconciliation. Such programmes feature experts, professionals and opinion leaders who address numerous topics of interest to the community. The news bulletins on the stations — both in the local language and English — have enhanced fast flow of useful information across the villages.
Description
A research report submitted to College of Humanities and Social Sciences in partial fulfillment for the requirements of the award of a Bachelors Degree of Mass Communication of Kampala International University
Keywords
radio, rural economic development, kabale district, Kigezi