A school for ‘strategic communications and media for climate-smart agriculture’ AICCRA Media Toolkit Citation | Trautman S. 2023. Strategic Communications and Media for Climate-smart Agriculture Toolkit. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa. Published by Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) | AICCRA Work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- Non-commercial 1.0 International License. About AICCRA | Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research in Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. Explore AICCRA’s work at aiccra.cgiar.org Contact | Sabrina Trautman, Sabrina@kandscollective.com | Rhys Bucknall-Williams, R.Bucknall@cgiar.org | Phindiwe Nkosi, p.nkosi@cgiar.org Acknowledgments | To Dr Constance Neely for the co-design of the original media training delivered in 2022 and the key conceptual information that has been used in this toolkit. In addition other AICCRA Theme 1 team members, Romy Chevallier for the policy content, Amanda Gosling for research assistance and Laura Cramer for oversight. The AICCRA Zambia cluster, lead by Dr Inga-Jacobs Mata, with huge support from the IMWI team for supporting the media training workshop preparations and Sabine Hoffman for the design of the network building session. A huge thanks to Dr Kiara Worth for designing and facilitating the storytelling segment . Also to Melanie Wilkinson for her session and content on innovation, transformation and integrating the private sector angle. Lastly to Rhys Bucknall-Williams, Global Communications & Knowledge Manager at AICCRA for stimulating the cross-learning and impact across these networks and catalysing the linkage between media and partner organisation. Design and Layout | Debra-Jean Harte Photo Cover: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth 1 Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) This toolkit covers topics such as: works to deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and • The impact of climate change on African agriculture and food innovation in agriculture.  systems. To accelerate climate action, it’s vital that that African media leaders • How we can transform African agriculture and food systems for a and influencers understand the impact of climate change on African more sustainable and climate resilient future.  agriculture, and how to amplify key messages by partners and • The important national, regional, continental, and global initiatives stakeholder networks to scale climate smart agriculture for a more to promote climate-smart agriculture, in Africa and worldwide. resilient future for African smallholder farmers.  • How to investigate and report key developments to target specific   stakeholders, decision makers, networks towards desired behavior This AICCRA Media toolkit has been created with the intention to support change. media professionals from across Africa to enhance their knowledge, communication and advocacy on climate change, climate smart • How to engage and report upcoming policy events (e.g., COP28).  agriculture and food systems. It uses the content of the presentation • How to engage with AICCRA partners on how media outputs and slides presented at the Spring School on Climate Change hosted in Cape engagements can feed into national / regional programs. Town (27-28th March 2023), including some extra resources and key reflections that came out of the two-day spring school. Key highlights JOURNALISM TIP INSIGHT FROM THE PARTICIPANT REFLECTIVE REFLECTIVE WORKSHOP! REFLECTIONS ACTIVITY QUESTION SHOUT OUT 2 Contents Acronyms and Glossary 4 Abbreviations Thematic Sections of the Toolkit 7 Module 1 8 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the AICCRA Accelerating the continent Impact of CGIAR Module 2 37 Climate Research for How can we respond to climate change in Africa? Africa Module 3 53 AU African Union Linking the science to practice and policy CAADP Africa Agriculture Module 4 65 Development Building a narrative of transformation and innovation Programme Module 5 79 CSA Climate Smart Understanding our networks and thinking in systems Agriculture Module 6 86 FAO Food and Agricultural Targeting an audience and behavior change Organisation LECRDS Low Emission Module 7 91 Climate-Resilient Elements of a compelling climate change story Development Action 108 MSP Multi-Stakeholder Building a network of journalists and communication Partnerships professionals Join our Network! 113 Key References 114 3 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Glossary of Key Terms Climate Resilience Term Description Term Description Adaptive Capacity The ability of systems, institutions, humans, and Exposure Refers to the inventory of elements in an area in other organisms to adjust to potential damage, to which hazard events may occur. take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences. Climate Altering our behaviour, systems, and—in some Hazard A possible, future occurrence of natural or human Adaptation cases—ways of life to protect our families, our induced physical events that may have adverse economies, and the environment in which we live effects on vulnerable and exposed elements. from the impacts of climate change. The more we reduce emissions right now, the easier it will be to adapt to the changes we can no longer avoid. Risk Intersection of hazards, exposure, and vulnerability. Climate Change Climate change is a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically Sensitivity The degree to which a system is affected, either decades or longer. adversely or beneficially, by climate variability or Climate Mitigation Avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping change. greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures. Social Inability of people, organisations, and societies to Vulnerability withstand adverse impacts from multiple stressors Climate Resilience The ability of a system to ‘bounce back’ from the to which they are exposed. impacts of climate-related stresses or shocks. It is the ability of a system and its component parts to anticipate, absorb, accommodate, or recover from the effects of a hazardous event in a timely and efficient Vulnerability The propensity or predisposition of a system to be manner, including through ensuring the preservation, adversely affected by an event. Vulnerability is a restoration, or improvement of its essential basic function of a system's sensitivity, and its adaptive structures and functions. capacity. 4 RETURN TO CONTENTS Agricultural Systems Term Description Term Description Agriculture Is the science, art, or practice of cultivating Elements The different, discrete elements within a soil, producing crops, and raising livestock system (e.g. farms, organisations, inputs, and and in varying degrees the preparation and soil). marketing of the resulting products. Agricultural Value Includes the people and activities that bring Interconnections The relationships that connect the elements Chain a basic agricultural product such as maize to (e.g. rules, ideas, funding, or service the consumer. The activities include obtaining relationships, among others). inputs and production in the field right through to storage, processing, packaging, and distribution. Land Degradation A process in which the value of the biophysical environment is affected by a Biological Diversity The variability among living organisms from combination of human land-use activities. It all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and is viewed as any change or disturbance to the aquatic ecosystems. land perceived to be undesirable. Multi-Stakeholder Consists of a mix of representatives or Cross Sectoral The engagement, management, planning Collaboration stakeholders from public, civil, and private Coordination and implementation, of activities conducted domains of society. across different thematic sectors to deliver development outcomes (e.g. food security, nutrition, sustainable landscapes, and agriculture). Post-Harvest Loss Is the loss in quantity and quality of agricultural produce between harvest and Ecosystem Services These include provisioning services, such as consumption. It includes on-farm losses e.g. the production of food (e.g. fruit for humans damage to grain by pests, as well as losses or grazing for cattle) and water; regulating, along the value chain during transportation, such as the control of flooding and disease; storage, and processing. supporting, such as nutrient cycles and oxygen production; and cultural, such as Pre-production This stage of the agricultural process is spiritual and recreational benefits. prior to production and may involve land preparation and the sourcing and purchasing of inputs such as seed and fertiliser. 5 RETURN TO CONTENTS Term Description Productive Inputs These are used to increase yields and range from improved seeds, genetics, fertilisers and crop protection chemicals to machinery, irrigation technology and knowledge. System An interconnected set of elements that is coherently organised in a way that achieves something (function and purpose). For example, the purpose of an agricultural system could be to produce dairy products and the system could consist of interconnected elements such as the farmer, employees, cattle, machinery, feed, water, and energy. Systems Thinking A mindset, tool, and process that is reserved for complex problems. Systems View Understands life as networks of relationships. Transboundary Epidemic disease which is highly contagious Animal Disease or transmissible and has the potential for very rapid spread, irrespective of national borders, causing serious socio-economic and potentially public health consequences. 6 RETURN TO CONTENTS Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 7 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 1 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 8 Defining climate change HREoTURwN TO CcONaTEnNTS we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals Climate change MODULE 1 What it is and how it impacts us? Climate-related stresses are “long-term trends or pressures that undermine the stability of a system and increase vulnerability within it” Examples of climate-related stresses include:  Other key stressors include: Decreased Delayed onset Higher Rural poverty  average of the rainy temperatures annual rainfall  season Population growth Climate-related shocks are “external short-term deviations from long-term trends that have Unequal distribution/access to substantial negative effects on people’s current natural resources state of well-being, level of assets, livelihoods, safety or their ability to withstand future shocks” Land degradation and deforestation Shocks are normally acute events that either slowly emerge (e.g., droughts) or rapidly emerge (e.g., flooding). Lack of water access/infrastructure Examples of climate-related shocks include: Gender inequality Floods Wildfires  El Niño events Droughts Heatwaves Livestock or crop RETURN TO disease outbreak CONTENTS 9 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 NB: Be wary of headlines – sometimes they can be exclusionary. For example, the ‘survival guide’ implies that the problem is already solved - it has been ‘sorted’ and we just have to wait for those people to take action INSIGHT FROM THE WORKSHOP! Key things to consider on Population Growth: • There is a difference between regions and perceptions on population growth – children are considered a blessing in African countries and there is resistance to understanding the impact this has on resources and their management. • Journalists play an important role in introducing difficult or culturally sensitive topics and setting the tone for how these can be discussed. RETURN TO CONTENTS 10 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Climate science Long term planning instruments are URGENT • Global average temperature reached 1.2 C above and need to be MORE AMBITIOUS pre-industrial levels in 2020. • The IPCC AR6 indicates that more urgent and rapid reductions in emissions are required by all countries. NB: There is limited finance for adaptation in Africa - media can play an important role in influencing this process. Source: Climate Action Tracker, 2021 How do we motivate people to take action for the RETURN TO urgent need to increase resources, capacity and action CONTENTS 11 to enhance climate adaptation across the continent.? Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 NB: When discussing the impacts of climate change and the science behind it, we need to: “ UN Climate Panel tells us we • Constantly relate this back to people – have 10 years left to begin a livelihoods, farming, and how it impacts radical transformation of this their lives civilization to move quickly to a • Understand the links between key terms zero emissions society…we need such as biodiversity, climate change and a new economic vision and land. We treat them separately but they a game plan….we are moving are all interconnected and we need to from the age of progress to the start helping people understand these connections through our coverage. age of resilience” – Jeremy Rifkin Global timeline to reach net-zero emissions For limiting global warming to 1.5°C emissions need to decline by 45% from the 2010 level by 2030, reaching net zero around 2050. For limiting global warming to below 2°C, emissions need to decrease by about 25% and reach net zero around 2070. RETURN TO CONTENTS Source: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5oC 12 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent KEY TERMS Climate risk framework MODULE 1 Risk - intersection of hazards, exposure IPCC climate risk framework and vulnerability. IMPACTS CLIMATE SOCIOECONOMIC Vulnerability PROCESS Natural Socioeconomic Variability Pathway Adaption and Anthropogenic Mitigation Climate Hazards RISK Actions Change Governance Exposure EMISSIONS and Land-use Change Risk not just about the climate hazard, also about the socio-ecological system – RETURN TO CONTENTS exposure to the hazard and vulnerability of the system to the effects of the hazard. 13 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent KEY TERMS MODULE 1 Hazard –possible, future occurrence Exposure - refers to the of natural or human induced physical inventory of elements in an events that may have adverse effects area in which hazard events on vulnerable and exposed elements may occur. Climate hazards of concern in west and central Africa Magnitude Extent Rate of change • Floods • Sand or dust storms • Droughts • Landslides • Tropical cyclones and • Sea level rise strong winds • Temperature • Storm surges changes • Extreme temperatures • Changes to • Forest fires seasonal patterns Africa as a whole has the highest mortality-related vulnerability coefficients for droughts and very high coefficients for cyclones and volcanoes. Drought and floods account for 80 per cent of loss of life and 70 per cent of economic losses linked to natural hazards (WB 2010). https://daraint.org/risk-reduction-index/west-africa/ disaster-risk-in-west-africa/ RETURN TO CONTENTS 14 Photo: ©Freepiks Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Unpacking climate exposure MODULE 1 INFRASTRUCTURE FARMING / AGRO- ECOSYSTEM & economic, social, PEOPLE & ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT cultural assets functions, services, LIVELIHOODS resources IPCC CLIMATE RISK FRAMEWORK IMPACTS CLIMATE SOCIOECONOMIC Vulnerability PROCESS Natural Socioeconomic Variability Pathway Adaption and Anthropogenic Mitigation Climate Hazards RISK Actions Change Governance Exposure RETURN TO EMISSIONS CONTENTS 15 and Land-use Change Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent KEY TERMS MODULE 1 Vulnerability - the propensity or predisposition of a system to be BIOPHYSICAL adversely affected by an event (IPCC, VULNERABILITY 2014) Vulnerability Vulnerability is a function of a system’s to climate sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity change of (IPCC, 2014). Soils SOCIAL VULNERABILITY Ecosystems Example - social vulnerability to floods Habitats Demographics Neighbourhood characteristics Health Species Risk perception Coping capacity Socio-economic Land Tenure These impacts are due in part to characteristics inherent in social interactions, institutions, and systems of cultural values.  RETURN TO CONTENTS 16 Photos: ©Adobe Stock Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 “UN Climate Panel tells us we have 10 years left to begin a radical transformation of this civilization to move quickly to a zero emissions society… we need a new economic vision and a game plan…. we are moving from the age of progress to the age of resilience” – Jeremy Rifkin RETURN TO CONTENTS 17 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Snapshot of the Impacts of Climate Change in Africa on Agriculture Participant Reflections Reflect on some of the media reports you have done recently, Food insecurity: Rising temperatures: have any of these been related Africa already Africa is experiencing rising to/mentioned climate change? experiences high levels temperatures at twice of food insecurity, with the global rate, leading 256 million people to increased heat waves, undernourished in 2020. droughts, and wildfires. Climate change is Increasing Water expected to exacerbate scarcity: Climate change this problem. Pests and is causing changes in rainfall diseases are spreading, patterns, leading to more and unpredictable frequent and severe droughts weather patterns are in many parts of Africa, as well leading to lower crop as severe flooding and storms What African journalists need to be yields and increased food (for example Tropical Storm aware of and doing? insecurity. Freddy). • Sense of urgency – climate change is Health impacts: Around 319 million people in a reality now and we need to be more Climate change is sub-Saharan Africa lack access effective at communicating this and increasing the frequency to safe drinking water, and inspiring people into action. • and intensity of extreme climate change is expected to We need to be able to use our collection weather events such as exacerbate water scarcity. By of resources to help transfer knowledge floods, which can lead to 2025, it is estimated that nearly so that local farmers can benefit and outbreaks of diseases like two-thirds of Africans could be take action. cholera and malaria. living in water-stressed areas. • Bridge the gap with a focus on youth. RETURN TO CONTENTS 18 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Diseases and pests LIVESTOCK Impacts of climate Feed and change on water availability agriculture systems CROPS Heat stress Invasive species in Timing and pasture length of growing season Nutritional content of Invasive feed species Water availability High temperatures Diseases Participant Reflections and pests When discussing the impacts of climate change and Erratic the science behind it, we need to: rainfall events • Constantly relate this back to people – livelihoods, farming, and how it impacts their lives • Understand the links between key terms such as biodiversity, RETURN TO climate change and land. We treat them separately but they CONTENTS are all interconnected and we need to start helping people 19 Photo Top: ©Apollo Habtamu (ILRI) Photo Bottom: ©Freepiks understand these connections through our coverage. Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 PRODUCTION FISH CROPS • Fish species with a narrow thermal range • Increase in temperature and rainfall may no longer be suitable for farming. variability changing the prevalence/ • range of plant diseases and pests. Changes in prevalence/range of fish pests and diseases. • Yield losses due to changes in • timing and length of growing period. Changes in wild fish stock species composition, population size and • Increase in temperature affecting resilience. yields. • Alternations and degradation of fisheries • Changes in rainfall and water habitats such as coral bleaching by ocean availability for irrigation. acidification. RETURN TO CONTENTS 20 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 LIVESTOCK CONSUMPTION • Reduction in livestock productivity due to • Reduction in product quality in- heat stress, low availability/poor quality store. feed and water scarcity. • Increase in rate of food spoilage • Increase in transmission of livestock and wastage. disease. • Volatile food prices. • Reduction in nutritional content of feed • Increase in health risks due to • Changes in prevalence/range of livestock an increase in prevalence of pests (e.g. tick species). pathogens and pests RETURN TO CONTENTS 21 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Agri-food systems “ When we understand the system that we are working in, we have a better sense of how drivers of change impact different dimensions of the system. The better we understand these systems, the more effectively we will be able to communicate important issues. SUPPLY CHAIN Food System – A food system is a complex web of activities involving the production, • Reduction in water available for food processing, transport, and consumption processing plants. – connecting people to their food. Issues • Damage to infrastructure affecting concerning the food system include the delivery of goods. governance and economics of food production, • its sustainability, the degree to which we waste Increase in rate of food spoilage food, how food production affects the natural resulting in a loss of income. environment and the impact of food on individual RETURN TO and population health. CONTENTS 22 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Dimensions and drivers of a food system When considering food systems, we need to think in circles – linking the environmental, economic and socio-cultural dimensions to ensure we are telling the full story. We often think only from the perspective of production – we need to think about all the elements of the food system, including consumption, if we want to change the system as a whole. ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSIONS Biological Waste Pollution Climate diversity Diseases Energy Water Mineral cycle cycle RETURN TO CONTENTS 23 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Dimensions and drivers of a food system MODULE 1 Political & Socio-economic Institutional Drivers drivers Governance & leadership Land rights International Local Demographics Urbanization Markets & trade trade & governance political & by-laws stability ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS Formal & Agriculture informal subsidies Employment Infrastructure Food price governance Distribution and Value chain stages and legal Food Environment systems Pre-production Processing Trade Cross-sectoral Access and availability of inputs Farm gate Transport integration Science & Equity & Women & youth aggregators links technology agency engagement Access to finance Cold chain Off-farm Access to Labour manufacturing Export credit Employment SOCIO-CULTURAL Productive inputs Access to Socio-cultural DIMENSIONS productive desirability and • Seeds Production resources preferences • Amendment Consumption • Equipment Marketing Trees Crop Dietary Nutritional Health & Info research Social diversity status nutrition status extensions organization Access to Fish Livestock food stands, kiosks, stores, ENVIRONMENTAL restaurants DIMENSIONS Gender Technology Media & youth POLITICAL SYSTEM - ENABLING Biological Waste Pollution Climate ENVIRONMENT Education diversity Diseases Energy Water Mineral cycle cycle Food systems outcomes Socio-Economic Environmental Food Security Biophysical drivers NATIONAL LEVEL Food Water Energy SUB-NATIONAL LEVEL environment scarcity sources LANDSCAPE / RETURN TO COMMUNITY LEVEL Land Trans- CONTENTS Climate degradation boundary change 24 disease Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Dimensions and drivers of a food system MODULE 1 Reflective Question ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS How would you bring Distribution and in this framing to how Value chain stages Food Environment Trade Tips: you report? How does Pre-production Processing Access and availability of inputs Farm gate Transport As journalists, understanding these aggregators links Access to finance Cold chain we need to systems influence Off-farm Access to Labour manufacturing Export the way you will credit Employment discuss the SOCIO-CULTURAL Productive inputs complexity and tell your story? DIMENSIONS • Seeds Production • Amendment Consumption resilience of food • Equipment Marketing systems and Trees Crop Dietary Nutritional Health & Info research Social diversity status their fragility. nutrition status extensions organization Access to Fish Livestock food stands, kiosks, stores, ENVIRONMENTAL restaurants Fact checking is DIMENSIONS crucial! Gender Technology Media & youth POLITICAL SYSTEM - ENABLING Biological Waste Pollution Climate ENVIRONMENT It’s important Education diversity to break down a story so that Diseases Energy Water Mineral cycle cycle it becomes understandable – one story can have many Food systems outcomes different angles. Socio-Economic Environmental Food Security To tell better NATIONAL LEVEL stories, we need to start with a SUB-NATIONAL LEVEL human focus. RETURN TO LANDSCAPE / COMMUNITY LEVEL CONTENTS 25 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Farming system FARMING SYSTEM ER CHARACTERISTIC LOCATION, FAMILY COMPOSITION (AGE, GENDE HOLD R), F USE ARM H O M A S IZ E H ERD SIZE, CROP/LIVESTOCK/FISH/TREE SYSTEM, SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND ACTI F AMILY LABOUR V ALLOCATION HOUSEHOLD CROP/LIVESTOCK/FISH/ PRODUCTION TREE PRODUCTION AND AND DECISION DECISION PROCESSES PROCESSES Child rearing, Management Livestock care and decisions Output (milk, education crop-livestock-fish- manure, fiber) tree, productive inputs (fertility, species, varieties, Crop/grass pest management, output Healthcare water harvesting, (grass, crops, intercropping, plant residues) grazing, feed, family or hired labor by age, gender, experience, Tree outputs information, etc.) (fruits, timber, Social-cultural nutrients, activities Land health, fodder) nutrients, water cycle, Aquaculture Food preparation, biological outputs (fish) consumption, diversity, nutrition, waste climate Farm products and losses, OUTCOMES OUTCOMES Economic and social income, environmental impact well being, quality of life RETURN TO CONTENTS 26 F A FIE R L D Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent ND IT IES Agri-food system MODULE 1 Economic Communications •Infrastructure • Insurance •& Climate Roads • GDP growth • alth distribution Finance • Technology Access Information • Dams • and Risk Cell phone usage Reducing Ports (trends, • We Income, main • (radio com • Weather data lans, status) come earners • • ccess to finance • in ral financing loyment • • munities) Digital ICT in • p Export zones • • A Ru Credit loans for • agriculture risk Social safety nets extension • systems Access/ Input insurance distribution Industrialisation Emp Sectoral distribution griculture trends/plans (including high • a Agriculture subsidies Landscape value commodities) •P• lanning Tenure Land use Governanc (trends related • e Regulatory Commercial to agriculture, Investment and smallholder • de farmers rangeland • structures Regional and • Investment corridors • Tra Trade agreements, GDP management) continental Government/private arrangements and contribution Livestock bodies: mandate, and sector investment plans flows • fisheries level of operation • Adaptation investors Identified investment Employment priorities Value addition •M arkets •Touri Key commodity • sm Extension • markets services • Growth Trends Employment Access to rural Access to market systems inputs • c Market access • ontribution Demand and sourcing Development plans Population Food Demographics storage AGRICULTURE Market • access Natural Capital • Migrati • Socio-cultural Pastoralist, chiefdoms Crop • • on Grow production Production • • th Age • systems • Water Soil Urbanisation • structures Community-led initiatives Women, youth and •En ergy • Forestry Soil and water marginalised groups in • ccess agriculture • A Electrification • Health • Demand growth • conservation initiati Nutrition sensitive Access to off grid • ves Crop failur Labour solar technology availablity • pr • es Degradation Germination •Edu • iorities Diet transitions Preferential foods • cation Rural education access RETURN TO • Literacy levels Environmental awareness When you think of an article on agriculture – what are all CONTENTS (education programs, the linked themes (and stakeholders) you might interview 27 outreach initiatives) to get a bigger and more in-depth perspective on the issue Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Journalists reflections “ As journalists, we need to discuss “When considering food systems, we need to think in circles the complexity – linking the environmental, economic and socio-cultural and resilience dimensions to ensure we are telling the full story. We often of food systems think only from the perspective of production – we need to and their fragility. think about all the elements of the food system, including Farmers usually consumption, if we want to change the system as a whole.” lack economic empowerment to tell their stories, as well as their innovations and approaches. Fact checking plays an important role – misinformation is rife and difficult to undo. Journalists and media outlets have an important responsibility in this regard.” RETURN TO CONTENTS 28 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Journalists reflections “A key challenge is identifying what the actual problem is within the value chain or food system. We may think we’re talking about lack of access to food and point to production, whereas the farmers are able to produce, but couldn’t transport or access markets. Often we don’t look at the complexity of the system and we need to be able to look at each story in its uniqueness and identify the truth of our story to inspire good solutions. We shouldn’t make our lives difficult – if we don’t understand the scientific language, no one else will. We need to simplify this and make it understandable. We need to ask better questions. If you as the communicator don’t know what you’re communicating, your story will not RETURN TO be effective.” CONTENTS 29 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Defining drivers Drivers – are factors, issues or trends that cause change thereby affecting or shaping the future. Internal driver – internal force of change for example social drivers within a farm or community and directing decision making of a farmer. External driver – external force of change, for example political or market drivers. Journalism Tip: As a journalist, to be pro-active in your reporting – think ‘what is causing change’. RETURN TO CONTENTS 30 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent KEY TERMS MODULE 1 Drivers - are factors, issues or trends that cause change thereby affecting or shaping the future. Drivers of a System LAND DEGRADATION Social Info research organization extensions Import Gender Retail youth Media provisioning Consumption Processing LOWER INCOME, SOCIO- • Food PURCHASING CULTURAL • Nutrition • Products POWER Labour Employment Money Storage Health distribution nutrition MIGRATION EL Education Transport Export ECONOMIC NEED FOR Financial FOOD AID/ Services REDUCED FOOD SECURITY Technology FARMING Transport Pollution/ SYSTEM trade waste LOSS OF SCHOOL FEES Biological diversity Aggregators farmgate Product • Livestock Waste Mineral cycle • Tree • Crop • Fish LOWER PRODUCTION Productive Pollution ENVIRONMENT Water inputs cycle • Seeds • Amendment • Equipment Climate LOSS OF Energy BIODIVERSITY Diseases REDUCED WATER HOLDING POLITICAL SYSTEM - E NABLIN G RETURN TO CAPACITY CONTENTS 31 NATIONAL LEV SUBNA E TI L ONA COM L M U L N E I V TY E L LEV ENVIRONMENT Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Drivers of a System FOOD PRICE HIKES Social Info research organization extensions Import Gender Retail youth Media provisioning Consumption SOCIO- • Food • Processing CULTURAL Nutrition • Products Health Labour nutrition Money Employment Storage distribution PEOPLE GOING HUNGRY REDUCED THAT CANNOT AFFORD EL PURCHASING POWER BASIC COMMODITIES Education Export Transport ECONOMIC Financial Services Technology Pollution/ Transport waste FARMING SYSTEM trade Biological PEOPLE SEEKING LACK OF diversity Aggregators ADDITIONAL SCHOOL FEES farmgate WORK Product Mineral • Livestock Waste cycle • Tree • Crop • Fish Productive Pollution ENVIRONMENT Water cycle inputs • Seeds • Amendment Climate Energy Diseases POLITICAL SYSTEM - ENABLING ENV • Equipment NEED FOR FOOD FOOD WASTE AID/REDUCED IMPLICATIONS FOOD SECURITY RETURN TO CONTENTS 32 NATIONAL LEV SUBNA E TI L ONA COM L M U L N E I V TY E L LEV IRONMENT Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent MODULE 1 Impacts of climate change on the food system CONSUMPTION SUPPLY CHAIN Increase in rate of food spoilage resulting in a loss of income. Increase in rate of food Reduction spoilage and Poor in product wastage. consumer quality in- experience. store. Reduction in water available for food processing plants. Increase in health risks due to an increase Volatile food Damage to in prevalence prices due to infrastructure Greater need for affecting delivery improved storage of pathogens a reduction in and processing and pests. productivity of goods e.g. and imports. damage to facilities and bridges by costly cold chain flooding. investments. Other key stressors include: Other key stressors include: • Food loss & waste • Transport • Health risks • Cold chains RETURN TO • Production & price volatility • Water, energy availability CONTENTS 33 Photo Left: ©Michael Tewelde (FAO/IFAD/WFP) Photo Right: ©Random Institute (unsplash) Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Key Reflections from the AICCRA Media MODULE 1 Training Participants Be confident on what you are talking Many people consider about. If you as the agriculture to be for communicator don’t retirees or old people. know what you’re We need to change communicating, this narrative - what your story will not be are some of the effective. incentives we can put in our stories to help change this? Farmers usually How can we lack economic as journalists empowerment to tell Encourage become better at their stories, as well as people to view ensuring that our their innovations and storytelling as an communication empowerment REFLECTIVE approaches – how can is not a one-way we change this? process for ACTIVITY stream? all the people involved. Review the food systems graphic and have a go at defining / describing a food system with a colleague? RETURN TO CONTENTS 34 Defining climate change and climate impacts on the continent Key Reflective Questions we as media professionals need to be asking • Climate change is a reality now, how can we be more effective at communicating this and inspiring people into actions? • How can we use resources more effectively to transfer knowledge so that local farmers can benefit and take action? • How can we use the media to bridge the gap with a focus on the youth? • How can systems thinking – understanding the environmental, economic and social- cultural dimensions of food - help to improve coverage and reporting, moving beyond the classical view of food just as production? • How are innovation and transformation defined? How can we use this to improve reporting and storytelling across Africa to inspire climate action and a climate smart Africa? 35 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth RETURN TO CONTENTS Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 36 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 2 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative 37 RETURN TO CONTENTS and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals Reflective Question MODULE 2 Climate Adaptation How do you define climate adaptation and how does it differ to climate mitigation? Altering our behaviour, systems, and—in some cases—ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live Adaptation VS. Mitigation from the impacts of climate change. The more we reduce emissions right now, the easier it will be to adapt to the changes we can no longer avoid. Climate Mitigation Avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures. Source: https://eaest.com/insight/climate-change-adaptation-vs-mitigation/ Defining adaptation and mitigation RETURN TO CONTENTS 38 Source: https://speakuplincoln.ca/climate-adaptation-plan/widgets/85179/photos/26844 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 Climate resilient development “ Climate resilience is the ability to cope with actual or expected climate- related stresses and shocks and keep functioning much the same way. CLIMATE- CLIMATE-PROOFING COMPATIBLE OR Climate Lens A process that makes CLIMATE-SMART A tool or approach used to examine projects, strategies, policies DEVELOPMENT a strategy, policy, plan, program or and measures resilient to regulation in light of climate change. Development which climate change, including minimises harm caused climate variability, by by climate impacts, while systematically examining maximising the many projects, strategies, and human development policies to identify ways to opportunities and delivers minimise climate change benefits across all three risks and optimise adaptation, priority areas: climate i.e., climate risk screening; mitigation, climate and integrating these ways adaptation and poverty into programming and eradication. projects, i.e., mainstreaming. CLIMATE-MAINSTREAMING Integrating climate concerns and adaptation responses into relevant policies, plans, programs, and projects at the national, sub-national, and local scales. RETURN TO CONTENTS 39 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 Climate-smart agriculture Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to managing landscapes— cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries--that address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change. WHAT IS CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE (CSA)? Three pillars of CSA Food security and Strengthen farmers’ development capacity to adapt and goals Reduce and/or prosper in the face of remove greenhouse climate change gas emissions PRODUCTIVITY Sustainably increase ADAPTATION agricultural productivity MITIGATION and incomes RETURN TO CONTENTS 40 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 WHAT IS CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE (CSA)? REDUCES AGRICULTURE’S SUSTAINABLY CONTRIBUTION TO INCREASES CLIMATE CHANGE STRENGTHENS RESILIENCE Productivity Greenhouse Gas and Income Emissions and Carbon Storage on Farmland RETURN TO To Climate Change CONTENTS 41 and Variability How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 WHY ADOPT CSA? Addresses Addresses the Addresses the food security, relationship between relationship between misdistribution agriculture and climate change and and malnutrition poverty agriculture CSA improves food Agricultural growth CSA reduces the risk security for poor provides an effective of climate change to and marginalised and equitable means for agriculture as well as the groups as well as reducing poverty and contribution of agriculture reduces food waste. increasing food security. to climate change. TYPES OF CSA PRACTICES Soil management Livestock Fisheries and management aquaculture Crop management Forestry Energy management Water management RETURN TO CONTENTS 42 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 SOIL MANAGEMENT Soil management principles for climate change adaptation and mitigation and enhancing resilience Improve soil structure with organic Enhance soil matter organic matter for soil carbon Control sequestration Journalism Tip: soil Use the rich, erosion descriptive imagery of farming and the environment to inspire stories. Boost Headlines should Improve nutrient be catchy and soil water management engaging, storage drawing readers in no matter what type of story you are trying to tell. RETURN TO CONTENTS 43 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 SOIL MANAGEMENT Examples of climate-smart soil management practices CONVENTIONAL CLIMATE-SMART Reduced tillage Improved crop Nutrient management rotations Biochar Cover crops Organic amendments Land restoration Agroforestry RETURN TO CONTENTS 44 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 CROP CSA PRACTICES AND MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES Idea for media post: Sustainable crop Practices - the application of production can be • CSA practices will a method e.g. precision farming, achieved through good solve soil-nutrient intercropping, mulching. farming practices that depletion in Africa. are based on improving • Could do a efficiencies and managing full feature biological processes. story looking at: soil health 1. Cultivate a wide range of management species and varieties in targeted at associations, rotations smallholder and sequences. farmers. 2. Adopt integrated • The need for policy Technologies - new management of pests, makers to find diseases and weeds. materials used e.g. improved solutions. seeds, efficient irrigation 3. Maintain soil health to • Causes of soil equipment, slow-release enhance soil-related ecosystem services depletion. fertilisers. and crop nutrition. • Crop rotation. 4. Use high quality seeds • The balance and planting materials between synthetic and well adapted, high-yielding varieties. and natural processes and RETURN TO 5. Manage water efficiently. innovation. CONTENTS 45 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 Building soil health is a key outcome of Climate-Smart Agriculture Many climate-smart agriculture practices contribute to improved soil health. Maintaining or enhancing soil health is essential for sustainable and productive agriculture. Agroforestry is the interaction of agriculture Limits mechanical soil disturbance (i.e. no/zero tillage), maintains Is the successive alternation of subsistence, cash and trees, including the agricultural use of permanent soil organic cover (at least 30%) with crop residues or green manure/cover crops on the same field trees. It involves the planting of trees or shrubs and/or cover crops, and encourages the establishment of diverse following a set sequence. in or around farmland or pastureland. plant species through varied crop sequences and associations • Restores soil fertility • Increases soil organic carbon involving at least three different crop species. Co alition of Action • Reduces soil erosion 4 Soil Hea lt h • Improves soil nutrient availability and fertility • Increases soil organic carbon • Recycles plant nutrients in the soil • Enhances soil microbial dynamics • Reduces soil erosion • Prevents soil crusting • Reduces soil erosion • Conserves in-soil water • Conserves in-soil water • Improves soil structure, and thus the rooting zone • Suppresses weed growth • Protects soil from extreme weather damage Involves cultivating at least two varieties of crops that belong to the same or different species in a Includes the optimal handling of livestock manure given area in a form of mixed cropping or involving its collection, storage, treatment and monocropping. application. Involves covering the topsoil with • Conserves in-soil water • Restores soil fertility plant material such as leaves, grass, • Reduces soil erosion twigs, crop residues, straw etc. • Increases soil organic carbon • Reduces nutrient leaching • Enhances the activity of soil • Reduces soil erosion • Enhances the resilience of soil to climate change organisms • Improves soil nutrient availability and fertility • Enhances soil microbial dynamics • Increases soil organic carbon • Improves soil structure contributing to aeration and water infiltration • Conserves in-soil water • Increases soil organic carbon • Reduces soil erosion CROP AGROFORESTRY ROTATION CROP DIVERSIFICATION INTEGRATED MANURE MANAGEMENT CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE MULCHING RETURN TO CONTENTS 46 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? A) is an approach that guides agri m -food ture (CS ent practices. I proved soil m s MODULE 2 ys icul a te e resili ontributes to the nage m th rt a gr imat re m s th and c e e p t i n r l ma s cl l t a a d r n oil heal s ai sfo Journalism Tip of te-s ar C ms r a ow ance s SA m t Experience Sharing from Kenya: nh CLIMATE-SMART . o a t e A village in a Kenyan coastal city is AGRICULTURE adopting new rice varieties to solve PRODUCTIVITY ADAPTATION MITIGATION the issue of salty water intrusion. Water levels were dropping along the TO SUSTAINABLY INCREASE TO ADAPT AND BUILD TO REDUCE AND/OR REMOVE AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, Tana River and ocean water intruded. PRODUCTIVITY AND INCOMES CLIMATE CHANGE WHERE POSSIBLE Traditionally the community farmed rice but this was hampered with the Improve soil Practices that Practices that fertility, soil water improve adaptation: improve mitigation: salty water. The solution was to involve availability, and • Contour ploughing or • No/zero tillage researchers and agronomists who reduce the loss of tillage with tied nutrient-rich topsoil • Inclusion of trees in ridges found different varieties to improve through erosion: crop fields • Micro-catchments yields and increase productivity. • Application of • Improved grazing and mulching organic fertilizers management of e.g. compost or • Land terracing natural pastures manure • Contour stone bunds • Integrated approaches • Crop rotation • Reforestation to the management of nitrogen fertiliser • Cover crops • Residue anagement • Mulching management • Manure m COALITION OF ACTION IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH IS A CENTRAL TO THE 4 SOIL HEALTH CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE APPROACH REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY How would you define CSA and what RETURN TO audience would you target with this CONTENTS information? 47 C l i m How can we respond to climate change in Africa? n tio Gender, climate change and agriculture nexus MODULE 2 Climate change Gender inequality impacts implications Household food provision; Crop failure Increased work load Household fuel provision; Fuel shortage Increased time to collect fuelwood Household water provision; Water scarcity Water contamination; Increased time to collect water Women have a higher Natural disasters incidence of mortality Lack of access to health care; Disease Increased burden as women provide care Forced migration increases Displacement women’s vulnerability Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Loss of lives and livelihoods; Conflict Violence against women RETURN TO CONTENTS 48 How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 Gender and CSA GENDER RESPONSIVE APPROACH TO CSA • Gender productivity gaps exist in agriculture due to traditional gender- based discrimination, women have fewer privileges, entitlements and Goal - to give women and men the endowments. same incentives and opportunities • Women face more challenges than men in accessing, using and controlling to invest in or adopt climate-smart productive resources and services. practices • This affects their vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate threats. • Closing the gender gap in agriculture would reduce the number of hungry Undertake gender analyses to assess: people by 100–150 million • Women’s and men’s control of assets such as land and • Climate change exacerbates the existing barriers that women face. water • Income • Labour and time to realise benefits • Access to information, credit and markets • Gender-related vulnerabilities to climate change Understand causes of gender inequalities, social (including cultural) and economic barriers, that can be CLIMATE used to inform solutions. CHANGE Such information is crucial for understanding the Gender Impacts of differentiated climate change factors that influence the adoption of CSA practices and impacts on agriculture technologies. Gender differentiated impacts of climate change in agriculture Gendered Reflective roles in agriculture Question AGRICULTURE GENDER In your country context RETURN TO how does gender impact CONTENTS 49 agriculture and impact from climate change? How can we respond to climate change in Africa? GROUPS PITCHING A STORY! MODULE 2 SPECIAL NEWSPAPER Changing attitudes lead to improved yields No healthy soils, no Farmers are changing their cocoa next genera producing practices tion Ghana is a leading producer of cocoa but yields Soil are carbon s s to in re k are declining. Farmers think that if they have bigger fields, they will produce more yield. There s m a o n r d e carb a o was an intervention in 2019 to try and address n n y t t h h te in a c g n h nology, but t h w e it r h e o else. I h f a w v e e d h o e n w u i t l l s b o e il , n o t o fo deforestation and stop farmers from cutting down m o o d r r f o o w r a ’ l t t hy so trees. After 4 years of implementation, we want n i o ls t , b t e h e a r e n e w x il t l . Ther m e i i t s ig n a o ti to go back to find out how the farmers are doing g on witho f e a n rm er s u o t i l h – create initial reports that the yields are increas- s, e i a n t g io - n w fo e r might have a a n lth d y t here r e w s o il n ie ’t n b ing and highlight how farmers are adopting good t e fo od sys economic practices. tems. DRY YOUR SALTY TEARS   Rice will still grow         GETTING DOWN AND HOW DEEP ARE YOUR DIRTY ROOTS? The truth about soil Healthy soils could save health A decade ago, Kenyan farmers challenges they’re facing. Topics were good yields of maize but would include irrigation, crop the next generation recently they have been rotation and healthy soils. For declining. Wanted to see how example, outbreak of a (?) worm we, as a newsroom, can help to could be overcome through crop RETURN TO address this by speaking to rotation. Link to healthy soil farmers to understand the systems overall. CONTENTS 50 Photos: ©Kelvin Trautman How can we respond to climate change in Africa? MODULE 2 NEWSPAPER      DON’T BLAME C T H H E E C G K O Y D O S U , R SOIL QUALITY CSA practices will solve i s n o A il f - r n ic u a tr . i e C n o t u d ld e p d le o t i a o n fu ll Feature article f a fe o t c : a u s tu s o r in il e g h s e t a o l r t y h l m oo a k n in a g g eme f o a n r m an e r o c ld Could do a full feature story looking at: soil health management targeted u l G tiv h a a ti n n i s g a m nt n m a t a l a lh rg iz o e e l d te e d r f a a t r mers; the d w e h c o li n h e a s o f n y o ie tic ld e s d at smallholder farmers; the need for policy makers to find solutions; t . o n H e fi e i n d s d a f s o c o r t lu p t o io lic n y s ; m c a a k u e s r e s s r o o f t a s t o c io o n w w s a to s a to p p s e a a cr s i e fic t i h n e g io il g n d o causes of soil depletion; crop rotation; the balance between synthetic ; e d th p e le b ti a o l n a ; n c c r e o p b et a s n . d B e u x t t e so n i s l i s o c n i e o n n w ffi ti a e c s t e u n e ts r r a s s l y a p n r ro th c e e t s ic and natural processes; and innovation. s e a s n ; d a nd innova s e ti o o i n n l e . q e u d a e li d ty . to improve WORMING OUR WAY IN How mulching could transform agriculture Journalism Tip Use the rich, descriptive imagery of IT STINKS BUT IT’S TRUE farming and the environment to inspire stories. Headlines should be catchy and Manure is the future for farmers RETURN TO engaging, drawing readers in no matter CONTENTS 51 what type of story you are trying to tell. How can we respond to climate change in Africa? Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 52 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 3 Linking the science to practice and policy Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative 53 RETURN TO CONTENTS and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals MODULE 3 POLICY PLANNING Climate policy INSTRUMENTS • Nationally Determined Contributions UNFCCC: What is it? (NDCs) – 2030 • Long-term Strategies (LTS)/ Long- The UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. Today, the 197 countries term Low Emissions Development that have ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention. Strategies/National decarbonisation plan – 2050 Preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system is the ultimate aim of the UNFCCC. • Other climate policy instruments (National Mitigation Action Plans, KEY INSTITUTIONS AND COOPERATIVE BODIES National Adaptation Plans, climate bills etc). Conference of Parties (197 signatory Countries) with CMP for Kyoto Protocol and CMA for Paris Agreement. Entities entrusted with operations of financial mechanisms (Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Scientific body. It reviews and assesses, at regular intervals, the most recent scientific, technical and socioeconomic information produced worldwide, relevant to the understanding of climate change. RETURN TO CONTENTS 54 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 NDC’S: The building blocks for a long-term vision  PARIS AGREEMENT LONG-TERM, CLIMATE RESILIENT, LOW CARBON, DEVELOPMENT POLICIES LECRD 2050 / 2060 NDCs NDCs NDCs NDCs 2015 2020 2025 2030 Increasing in ambition Stakeholder engagement Updated and reviewed to Including means of RETURN TO include new science and data implementation CONTENTS 55 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 National climate policies are embedded in a global context GLOBAL VISION for climate AND development Regional Paris AU Agenda (2063) Economic Agreement Community AU Climate Change Strategy SDG’s (REC) Climate Change (2022 - 2032) Strategy COUNTRY Climate-specific VISION Development goals and plans goals and plans National Green NDCs NAPAs NAMAs level growth NDPs goals Post-COVID 19 green Sectoral Climate growth targets Bill Sectoral recovery targets plans Sub- national 2030 level 2030 Long-term Climate- resilient development RETURN TO 2050 / 2060 CONTENTS 56 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Science and development considerations must inform climate goals  IPCC Science Equity Global Adaptation Climate & Finance Targets Mitigation Paris Agreement Goals Technology National National GHG Climate Inventories/ Goals Scenarios/ Baseline ect. Capacity Building Local/ Sector GHG Sectoral Inventories Climate Scenarios/ Goals Baseline ect. Sustainable Development RETURN TO SDG’s CONTENTS 57 Linking the science to practice and policy Policies and structures relevant to pest and disease management in WCA example MODULE 3 GLOBAL LEVEL GOALS WHO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytxosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) - Governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) Strategic Framework for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) 2020–2030 CONTINENTAL LEVEL GOALS Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2014 Malabo Declaration Assembly/AU/Decl.7 (II) African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) 2019 Phyto-Sanitary Convention for Africa October 1992 Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy Framework for Africa 2019 Revised African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources  2016 Agreement for the Establishment of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency 2012 REGIONAL LEVEL GOALS Disaster Risk Management Strategy ECOWAS pesticide, pest and phytosanitary Regional locust agreements and policies emergency action plan NATIONAL LEVEL - POLICY EXAMPLES RETURN TO National legislation CONTENTS 58 National emergency response/contingency plans Species specific contingency plans Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA) KEY INSTITUTIONS AND • Livestock COOPERATIVE BODIES • Methods for assessing adaptation, and The Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA) is a • The socio-economic and food security dimensions of climate landmark decision under the United Nations Framework change across the agricultural sectors. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that recognizes the unique potential of agriculture in tackling climate THE KJWA IS THE ONLY PROGRAMME change (FAO).  TO FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE AND Through this decision the COP requested the SBSTA FOOD SECURITY UNDER UNFCCC and SBI to jointly address issues related to agriculture, • By mainstreaming agriculture into UNFCCC processes, the KJWA can including through workshops and expert meetings, drive transformation in agricultural and food systems, and address the working with constituted bodies under the Convention synergies and trade-offs between adaptation, mitigation and agricultural and taking into consideration the vulnerabilities of productivity. agriculture to climate change and approaches to addressing food security. • It can provide concrete solutions to the climate and environmental challenges we are facing today, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Koronivia decision addresses 6 interrelated • The KJWA complements country Nationally Determined Contributions topics: (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and the Enhanced • Soils Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, while • RETURN TO Nutrient use contributing to the overall achievement of the Sustainable Development CONTENTS 59 • Water Goals (SDGs). Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security • The four-year Sharm el-Sheikh joint work • Specific activities relate to: on implementation of climate action on • Promoting synergies between actors agriculture and food security builds upon within and outside the UN Climate the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture. Change process. • The new Sharm el-Sheikh joint work • Providing support and technical Reflective advice to countries. Question will promote holistic approaches to addressing climate impacts both on • Financing entities on climate action and from agriculture and food security on agriculture and food security. As a journalist how and will be a key coordination hub for • Enhancing research and can you link farm development. level to policy? discussions and political decisions on these matters. • Sharing information and knowledge. RETURN TO CONTENTS 60 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Evidence TYPES OF EVIDENCE Scientific Participatory Qualitative data evidence and consultative ‘who, which, what, evidence when, where and why?’ Practice and Local and Quantitative data implementation indigenous ‘how many’ ‘to what informed knowledge extent’ or ‘how much’ evidence and stories RETURN TO CONTENTS 61 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Journalism Tip It is important to make use of a variety of sources of evidence and a range of stakeholder views. Testimonials Box plot “FMNR improved productivity on my farm and improved nutrition for my livestock” Data Maps Photos Radar chart Bar chart RETURN TO CONTENTS 62 Linking the science to practice and policy MODULE 3 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth CATEGORIES FOR UNPACKING YOUR STORY: Key themes to keep in mind S T E E P Social Technological Economic Ecological / Political Environmental Demographics Technology incentives, Economic growth, Legal and Institutional (population growth, age level of innovation, exchange rates, e.g. weather, e.g. trade, food safety, distribution), income automation, research inflation rates, climate change, land tenure, water distribution, health and development activity, interest rates, environmental use, environmental consciousness, cultural technological change, disposable income policies, natural and social, human barriers, norms, technological awareness of consumers and resources, ecosystem rights. Institutional RETURN TO customs, values. and capacity levels. unemployment rates. goods and services. relationships. CONTENTS 63 Linking the science to practice and policy Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 64 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 4 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science 65 Building a narrative RETURN TO CONTENTS and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals KEY TERMS MODULE 4 Transformation – change; changing practices and norms; Innovation - coming up positive change; progressive impact; new directions; improving with new things; innovation is people’s lives for the better. the driver of transformation; new ideas, concepts; Transformative change is about ‘doing business differently’ creativity; application of – we have to get smarter and slicker about how we can do more and technology; new way of doing be more proactive – what is your role as media to push this agenda? something. Defining Innovation • Innovation is about successfully. implementing a new idea and creating value • Innovation starts with a new idea. • Innovation is creating new value and/or capturing value in a new way.  • We have ability to showcase creative ways that people are adapting to climate • Executing new ideas to solve challenges change, creating technologies and services to adapt to the changing climate. • Innovation often involves taking risks and trying new approaches, and it can lead to • Sharing real stories to help raise awareness significant changes in the way people live, and inspire people into action. work, and interact with the world around them. • RETURN TO Leveraging different knowledge platforms CONTENTS 66 and upscaling innovative ideas. Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Climate change and innovation REFLECTIVE Reflective Question ACTIVITY As journalists, how can we report on the positive stories of climate change? Where do you get information on innovation? For example, all the • Government departments • innovation surrounding CSA Social media (mainly and sources for official in Africa – how can we report Facebook, but • on this to inspire uptake? CSOs and local institutions Twitter is growing), • adverts, news Private sector releases • Local farmers • Expert advice • Sciencedirect.com – access • Not sure where to to scientific journals and put the informal information sector – this is • Research institutions, sometimes who we including government engage with established institutions • Digital platforms: and institutions of learning websites are • We seldom look at outdated, but indigenous innovations WhatsApp and don’t consider has become a farmers to be ‘innovators’ critical source of in this sense. This is an information RETURN TO area that could potentially CONTENTS be explored. 67 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 What might transform? TRANSFORMATIONAL SHIFTS • Markets to networks • Transactions to Flows • Ownership to Access • Sellers and Buyers in negotiation- to producers and users in networks • Gross Domestic Product to Quality of Life Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman • Productivity to Regenerative Transformative change THE NEXT TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION WILL • EMPHASIZE: The future that is coming often requires • Communications significant change. • • Power/energy Transformative change requires sometimes • Transportation, mobility and logistics radically new interventions, policies and • Education partnerships. • It requires disruptive technology which can be THE NEXT INDUSTRIAL defined as any innovation that dramatically REVOLUTION WILL changes the way consumers, businesses and EMPHASIZE: industries operate. • Communications • Moves us beyond incremental change and • Power/energy results in major long-term changes in the way • Transportation, mobility and logistics RETURN TO systems operate. • CONTENTS Education 68 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Examples of Innovation in CSA Reflective Questions In Mali, the International Crops Research Institute What can be done? for the Semi-Arid Tropics Where are the innovations? (ICRISAT) has developed a new variety of sorghum that Early Warning Alerts is more tolerant to drought and has higher yields than Livestock insurance traditional varieties. This has helped to improve food Drought tolerant crops security in the region. Permaculture in refugee camps Mobile-based weather forecasting: In Ghana, Coordinated grazing the organization Esoko has developed a mobile systems platform that provides farmers with weather information and market prices for their crops. Community This has helped to improve crop management coordinators for food aid and increase profits for smallholder farmers. Coordination among Ministries, NGOs, Donors Mobile-based extension services: In Nigeria, the organization Doreo Partners has National Agroforestry developed a mobile platform that provides In Kenya, the organization BURN Strategy women farmers with access to information Manufacturing has developed an affordable on weather, market prices, and farming and efficient cookstove that reduces the Commitments to Land techniques. The platform is designed to be amount of fuelwood needed for cooking. Restoration accessible to women who may have limited This innovation is particularly beneficial access to extension services. for women who are often responsible for Cross Border Peace collecting fuelwood and spend a significant Keeping RETURN TO amount of time cooking. CONTENTS 69 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Innovation THROUGH THE LENS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR • Strong element of new product or service design and provides for product iteration. • Has to be based firmly on the end users’ needs and interests. • EFFECTIVE MEDIA Give a competitive / unique advantage in the market place. Supports: • Has to be viable, scalable and sustainable attractive to investor. • Scaling and deepening climate • Has to benefit the end user: the farmers are able to produce more, sell more, management delivery systems. diversify and/or add value to what they produce, earn more money. • Co-production and building on knowledge (scientific, expert, local/ traditional knowledge.) • Leveraging and interplay across different knowledge platforms. Supply chain innovations Digital innovations • Dissemination of localized climate • New and/or improved seed (e.g. drought • Digital platforms offering access to services. tolerant seed, higher yielding seed market pricing, agri suppliers and varieties, longer shelf life). buyers Helps to: (e.g. Lima Links). • New/improved technologies on-farm • Digital platforms offering access to • Activate and strengthen networks. (e.g. soil testing kits, off-grid solar water climate information services (e.g. • Mobilize and unlock important pumps, hydration prevention covers for improved localized weather forecasts, information. dams, drip systems). timely alerts on heavy rainfall, flood • Creating space for knowledge • Post harvest processing technologies warnings, drought warnings). sharing and internalizing (e.g. solar driers, hermetic storage sacks). • Bundling solutions. knowledge. • Help stakeholders to act more RETURN TO meaningfully together. CONTENTS 70 • Share achievements and inspire. Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Participant Reflections Key Questions to consider when engaging with How much do you engage private sector with the private sector? Journalism Tip Put yourself in the shoes of Some reflections from journalists the private sector.... • When the private sector wants • Often engage with the • What do you think the to promote their product, they private sector because they private sector wants to are happy to communicate with invest more in agriculture aim for in designing or media. But otherwise, they are than government and they producing an innovative often not keen. are often more responsive. climate smart or climate • They often invite media to information product or There is a lack of availability from cover their innovations but the private sector. It is off-putting service? they are quick to tell the when the private sector says ‘positive’ story and can twist • What will be most media should write the press stories to suit their narrative. important for them? piece and they will comment, which often take too long • Media houses are stewed • Why is private sector different from other • with information from Grouped NGOs and CSOs into private sector. types of stakeholders in the private sector. Profit-oriented the climate smart and/ private sector is reluctant to or climate information share information, but NGOs and space? CSOs are more willing. RETURN TO CONTENTS 71 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation KEY TERMS MODULE 4 Thinking in systems Root cause analysis or simple causal analysis is used and causal analysis to understand what issues underpin identified barriers to achieving a desired When we understand the system within which outcome.   we are working, we have a better sense of how issues are related, and the different actors involved. WHAT ARE WE DOING AND WHY ARE WE DOING IT? To manage for food systems and climate resilience it is critical to understand all elements and stakeholders associated with the system and how they inter- relate. Additionally, we must understand We often treat symptoms what drives the systems, what is at the instead of the root causes of root cause of issues we need to overcome, our issues when we make are how we overcome those and who must planning our interventions. be involved in the solutions. Solutions Journalism requires that We want to report on communications effectively report underlying causes when we solution focused stories, with underpinning evidence of why this is are communicating about happening, what could prevent it from problems. happening, what is being done to solve societal issues and the limitations to RETURN TO those solutions. CONTENTS 72 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Building a narrative of transformation and innovation LET’S TAKE THE EXAMPLE OF MODULE 4 WATER WATER SCARCITY IMPLICATIONS • 75% of the region is arid and characterised by high climate variability. • WATER SCARCITY A regional mean annual runoff volume of 650 km3 is low for a region that relies on rainfed agriculture and hydropower. CAUSES • Possible decreases of ~20% in annual precipitation by 2080 in southern Africa. Social Peace and Social Security Social Livelihoods Health Environmental Economic Social IM PLICATIONS Social Labour REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY WATER SCARCITY Based on this causal analysis, I would want to CAUSES Environmental interview_________ and ______ Social as sources to tell a more complete story. Economic Institutional Political RETURN TO CONTENTS 73 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Lack of Loss of livelihoods Loss of water for Increased tourism sanitation disease prevalence Conflict Increased over water marginalisation of resources women and girls Migration Lack of safe drinking water Reduced capacity to adapt to climate Increased time change and seeking water by shock events women and girls IMPLICATIONS Electricity loss due to low water levels in dams WATER SCARCITY Reduced Unequal Overuse of rainfall due access available to changes to water water resources in weather resources patterns CAUSES Lack of Exploitation awareness of Siltation by large scale urban users of dams agriculture Bare and other ground corporations Lack of, or Unsustainable Soil ineffective, water agricultural runoff management practices from land policies Lack of Loss of conservation biodiversity, orientation Single sector Poor land loss of Greed orientation, lack management vegetation of integrated cover and loss Lack of development of soil education, plans awareness and Weak or information ineffective availability extension services RETURN TO CONTENTS 74 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 RETURN TO CONTENTS 75 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 RETURN TO CONTENTS 76 Building a narrative of transformation and innovation MODULE 4 Participant Reflections Reflective Question Thinking session: The root cause of unpacking the root cause the issue is the main issue of what Insights from the particants we are discussing. How do we do this? • Not all the root causes • Many of the things we think • These sessions have are the same for every we know (that we learned helped to show how • Understand the community, but many are from school or other places) things are interconnected barriers, which similar. As journalists, we are not always the reality. We – this expands the scope are often beliefs, need to investigate what is need to always keep an open of people who we could family values, appropriate for our context. mind to understand things interview, and emphasises cultural practices • better (example of what the need to track the story • This is why we In terms of phrasing and the causes land degradation). from its origin. need to ‘dig deep’ narrative of stories, it is always – we might think important to understand • On the surface you may see • As a journalist, we need to we’re talking what terminologies mean one thing, but the deeper think about who we are but education and how they are understood. you go, you more you see talking to – think about or water, but it For example, ‘insecurity’ how issues are impacted. their context, where and might actually be could be unpacked to make This is what we need to do what they have learned a gender issue. it more targeted to a specific more of in our journalism. and how they have been We need to think audience. taught. deeply about what • We need to look deeply at is at the root cause • In terms of telling stories what is happening at the of the issues we (such as land degradation) grassroots level – there is are discussing. there are many underlying more to the story than what causes, and we need to look we initially see. As journalists, Sometimes people’s at broader perspective. Once we need to unpack the perceptions or deeply you identify the entry points, reasons, the stakeholders held beliefs about a topic RETURN TO then you can begin to link to involved, and other things can also be barriers to CONTENTS 77 other dimensions. that could be going on. tackling issues. Building a narrative of transformation and innovation Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 78 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Understanding our networks and thinking in systems Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 79 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of RETURN TO CONTENTS networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals MODULE 5 Network Mapping Who are the key stakeholders / what are the key networks? STAKEHOLDER GROUPS GOVERNMENT SECTORS / COORDINATING BODY Civil society Consumers Commercial/ Women and private youth groups player Grass roots and Scientific community community CULTURE HEALTH based and organizations academia AGRICULTURE EDUCATION WATER COORDINATING BODY MINING Local Multi-lateral authorities organizations INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY NGOs Sub-national Local Media and advocates journalists Managers of Financial local resources Marginalized Institutions & labourers groups RETURN TO CONTENTS 80 Understanding our networks and thinking in systems MODULE 5 ENGAGING A WIDER NETWORK OF STAKEHOLDERS Government Civil Society Private Sector Others • Water Department • Large, medium • Agricultural and • Research • and small Tree Product Institutions Land Department scale farmers’ Companies • • UN: FAO, UNEP, Agricultural organisations • Aggregators and UNICEF Department (livestock, • Health, education, Processors aquaculture, crop • Media agricultural, production, extension) • Local Farmers’ environmental • Bilateral Donors • Markets Environment/NRM International and Department local NGOs • Sustainable • Health Department • Charcoal and Youth groups and Wood fuel • entrepreneurs Finance and Planning Vendors • • Women’s Trade Department • Transportation Organizations • companies Education • Community Department • Forestry, Wildlife, Based • Tourism operators Department of Organizations Culture, Youth, Gender RETURN TO CONTENTS 81 Understanding our networks and thinking in systems MODULE 5 Strengthen networks and communities to sustainably accelerate impact at multiple scales Macro: Nationwide mandate • Policy makers, government • Development agencies • Donors, investors • Media, education Journalism Tip MEDIA must Meso: Intermediate level engage with • Farmer unions, federations and support • Extension services networks to • reach out to Development programs farmers and • Business growth centers communities Micro: Grass root level • Farmers, communities • Agri-dealers, off takers • Traditional authorities RETURN TO CONTENTS 82 Understanding our networks and thinking in systems MODULE 5 Media networks • What network levels (community to national and regional levels) exist? • Who is currently connected? • How would that help delivery of products and services for AICCRA? • Media outreach to Implications for your work – what would you change in your accelerate climate outreach strategy, to look for network effects, and how your innovation and impacts stories can highlight stakeholders and the effects of their feedback for reaching out to large numbers of farmers? • Why do we work through multi- level social networks to enhance community and stakeholder responses – Polinode as tools that can be used to visualize social networks at various levels. • Examples of AICCRA programs with different entry points at network levels and showing the network maps. Zambia - strong AICCRA focus on private sector, accelerator grant program partners as respondents and the networks that they generated. RETURN TO Ethiopia or Regional perspectives CONTENTS 83 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Understanding our networks and thinking in systems MODULE 5 Understanding relationships between stakeholders Reflective Question Who is working with whom? What is being exchanged? What are the power dynamics? Who is missing? REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY Ask a climate change stakeholder.. • Ask a scientist • Ask an extensionist • Ask a minister of finance • Ask a charcoal maker • Ask a farmer • Ask a mayor • Ask a trader • Ask a …. RETURN TO CONTENTS 84 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Understanding our networks and thinking in systems Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 85 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 6 Targeting an audience and behavior change Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 86 RETURN TO CONTENTS Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals MODULE 6 Define your target audience Journalism Tip Understanding your audience will Who are you help you tailor your message to writing / speaking What their specific needs and interests. / filming / motivates Define what story will influence photographing them action and then build the narrative for? to take to describe that reality. It is action? important that they can imagine What do this reality rather than just relate they care to it through facts and figures. about? RETURN TO CONTENTS 87 Targeting an audience and behavior change MODULE 6 Identify the primary audience Rural Urban Government Young people communities and residents who officials and who are the future of farmers who rely on are increasingly policymakers the continent and can agriculture for their affected by air who can make be motivated to take livelihoods and are most pollution, heatwaves, decisions that impact action to mitigate and affected by climate and extreme the mitigation and adapt to the impacts change impacts such weather events adaptation measures of climate change. as droughts, floods, like flooding and for climate change. and changing weather landslides. patterns. RETURN TO CONTENTS 88 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Targeting an audience and behavior change MODULE 6 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Define desired behaviour changes The desired behaviour changes for climate change reporting in different African contexts will depend on the primary and secondary audiences you have identified. REFLECTIVE For example, behavior changes for rural communities may include adopting ACTIVITY sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of natural resources. For urban residents, behavior changes may include reducing energy consumption My personal vision and embracing sustainable transportation methods. For policymakers, behavior • What am I changes may include adopting policies that prioritise renewable energy and communicating to my climate-resilient infrastructure. target audience? Identify motives and barriers to • Why am I communicating these participation or behaviour change key messages to this specific audience? • What do I want to Understanding the motives and barriers to participation or behavior change is essential achieve through my to create effective, compelling climate change reporting in Africa. By identifying the journalism (awareness key motivators and barriers, journalists can tailor their messaging and offer solutions raising, action RETURN TO that resonate with their specific audience. orientated etc.) CONTENTS 89 Targeting an audience and behavior change Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 90 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 7 Elements of a compelling climate change story Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 91 RETURN TO CONTENTS Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals The power of storytelling MODULE 7 Since the dawn of time, storytelling has been a fundamental tool for communicating ideas and shaping society. From ancient myths and fables to modern novels and films, stories have the power to inspire, educate, and transform. Storytellers can convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that resonates. Whether used to teach moral lessons, share cultural values, or spark social change, storytelling remains an essential aspect of human communication and has the power to shape the world around us. Storytelling for climate action Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring By presenting a compelling narrative that climate action by helping people connect with engages the audience’s empathy and the realities of the climate crisis on a personal imagination, climate change stories can and emotional level. motivate people to take action to address the crisis. Whether used to raise awareness, promote Through vivid characters, settings, and conflicts, sustainable behaviour, or advocate for policy climate change stories can illustrate the impact of change, storytelling can inspire people to join climate change on individuals and communities. the global movement for a sustainable future. Journalism Tip But is it so easy? NO! RETURN TO Telling good stories requires a transformative shift – we’re not just focused on sharing ‘news’, we’re CONTENTS 92 aiming for stories that have IMPACT. Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Examples of powerful climate stories Good stories ALWAYS show a CHANGE • Whether in behaviour, attitude, skills, or knowledge, CHANGE is the crucial ingredient to a good story. • Help to show the complexity of inter- related ideas - stories help to fit the pieces together. • There is no one-size fits all solution – this is what makes them so hard… but so exciting to produce. This is your SUPER POWER! RETURN TO CONTENTS 93 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Elements of a compelling story CHARACTER So what kind of a character are we 1. Character A compelling character is at the heart looking for? of every good story. They need to be • Characters must be grounded in the 2. Setting relatable, engaging, and possess realities of African life and the impact of traits that inspire action and change. climate change on their lives. 3. Conflict • They should embody: • Resilience 4. Plot • Resourcefulness • Determination 5. Resolution Journalism Tip • Strong sense of agency and purpose Farmers • Active agents of change implementing • Take decisive action sustainable • A good character must be multidimensional agricultural practices and complex, with flaws and vulnerabilities to adapt to changing that make them relatable and human. weather patterns Journalism Tip Youth activists mobilising their communities to demand climate action RETURN TO CONTENTS 94 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 SETTING A compelling setting helps to set Journalism Tip the scene, one that points to the Communities unique characteristics, challenges, adapting to changing and beauty of African landscapes, weather patterns cultures, and traditions. and ecological environments So what kind of a setting are we looking for? • Settings must be grounded in the impact of climate change on the environment and people. • Journalism Tip A place that is recognisable to African audiences, reflecting the unique Protected challenges and opportunities of the wilderness areas region. vital for biodiversity • conservation Showcase the beauty and resilience of African landscapes and communities: • A place of hope and inspiration. • People working together to overcome challenges. • Highlight the important role of Indigenous knowledge and Journalism Tip practices. Urban areas implementing Settings should be a place that sustainable audiences can connect with, relatable and familiar, yet challenging them to infrastructure and RETURN TO look at the world in a new way. transport systems CONTENTS 95 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Journalism Tip Small-scale CONFLICT farmers Conflict is a crucial element that can help challenging large engage audiences and drive action. agribusinesses Conflict creates tension and urgency, forcing the audience to consider difficult choices and trade-offs. So what kind of a conflicts are compelling? • Highlight the environmental challenges people face because of climate change: droughts, floods, crop failures – the frontline of the climate crisis. Journalism Tip • How these challenges are exacerbated Battle between by social, economic or political factors: Journalism Tip urban and rural poverty, gender inequality, social Activists advocating communities inequality for policies that over government address the root allocations • Multi-dimensional and complex: causes of climate • Different actors with competing change interests, values or perspectives. • Illuminate underlying power dynamics, inequalities and systemic issues. A good conflict should inspire the audience to ‘root’ for the main character – you want RETURN TO them to overcome. CONTENTS 96 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 RESOLUTION A resolution is the final outcome or conclusion of a story. A well-crafted resolution can leave audiences with a sense of hope and inspiration OR with a sense of urgency and need for further action. What are the key elements of a Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth resolution? PLOT Positive resolution: • Protagonist achieves their goals and overcomes The plot is the sequence of events that make up a story and is their conflict. critical to building an impactful narrative. A well-crafted plot can • Can inspire hope and encourage action. help to create tension, build empathy, and inspire action. • Demonstrate the power of individual or collective action. So what are the key elements of a plot? • Negative resolution: Need to create a sense of structure and direction, allowing the audience to easily follow the story. • Protagonist does not achieve their goals. • Plots need to be driven by the strong character – the protagonist. • Highlight the urgent need for action and the • consequences of inaction. Plots must have obstacles (conflict): • • Inspire a sense of urgency or responsibility. Help to raise the stakes – what could the character lose if something doesn’t happen? Open-ended resolution: • Make the resolution of the conflict more impactful. • No clear outcome or conclusion, leaving audiences • to draw their own. Satisfying or meaningful. • RETURN TO • Thought-provoking and inspire further CONTENTS Leave audiences with a sense of inspiration or hope. discussion. 97 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 POSITIVE OPEN-ENDED RESOLUTION RESOLUTION Journalism Tip Journalism Tip Kenyan farmer Coverage of becomes an activist the UNFCCC for climate change climate and transforms his negotiations community NEGATIVE RESOLUTION Reflective Question Why are you telling the story? Journalism Tip Documentation Why is your story important? of the loss of coral reefs due What are you trying to to the impact of achieve? RETURN TO climate change What do you want people CONTENTS 98 to think or feel or do? Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Crafting a compelling climate change story Identify your central theme Consider your character arch Consider • What aspect of climate change do you • What is the journey your character goes on within the broader want your story to tell? the narrative structure? context • Why is this theme important to you • What is at stake for them? • How does your and what is the core message you story fit into want to get across? the broader context Use sensory detail – social, • political, or Use descriptive language and sensory detail to help Identify your audience environmental? your audience connect to the setting and character • Who will be listening to your story? • • What impact SHOW, don’t tell • will this story What do they already know and what • Use action and dialogue to SHOW what you mean – have on your do they need to know? don’t just tell audience? • What is the shift in perspective you want them to have? Choose a narrative structure • How do you want the story to be told? • Will it be chronological and linear? • Will it be non-linear, jumping around in time and space? • Will it be episodic, looking at different events that are connected? • Will it be circular, linking the end to the beginning? RETURN TO CONTENTS 99 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Elements of a compelling climate change story Story Plot Structure MODULE 7 NEWS STORY/ACTION MOMENT • For news angle: start with the climax ie. what makes this newsworthy • What is the crux moment/ sequence of events (main news angle) CALL TO ACTION • Why is this moment important and what does it signify? • How does the main character solve the specific • Addition of climate impact/event or key catalyst for pushing the problem? main character into action (explain impact, how they responded • If no solution, unpack why? and why) • What could happen differently to support a solution-based outcome? • Place outcomes within context of community: Addition of community action, locally led STORY DEVELOPMENT adaptation, or partnerships established to enact • change What problems or conflicts does the main • Link local to global: What is happening in other character/s face? • cities/regions/locations? Why are they in this position? • Specific contributing factors or elements that make the story relevant, interesting and unique • Addition of relevant climate science to support the validity of the problem – facts and figures (keep it simple and concise language so clear fact and STORY impact link) TYPE What media style will your story use (blog, podcast, full feature article, etc.)? OUTCOME NB: Start with type • What is the main change/shift that has ie. For a news story the taken place? CONTEXT CHARACTER climax is often at the • How has this shift impacted the life/lives • beginning or even in Where does the story take • Who is/are the main of the main character/s? the title place? character/s? • Good news angle: Inclusion of potential • When does the story take • What is their story? positive change/ongoing activities at local place? • What makes this level • How does the story unfold? story newsworthy? • Blueprint-How is this relevant and • Why is this story important? important for other similar • What will happen? contexts/characters RETURN TO CONTENTS 100 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Participant Reflections Important lessons to take home • Journalists have the ability to with a human interest make connection between that are solutions oriented. complex and seemingly Systems thinking, and diverging topics, such as understanding the The climate crisis is a story for climate change, health care complexity of issues and all every beat. At its core, the climate story is and population. We need to their components, can help a science story. But whether you cover business, explore this more. us do this. • health, housing, education, food, national Journalists often only report • We want to create a network security, entertainment, or something else, on stories when the ‘action’ of solutions-oriented, is happening, such as a flood. systems thinking journalists there is always a strong climate angle to be found. Even though we know the who can tell complex stories And climate need not be a story’s central focus to story started long before with meaning and impact. merit mention. Also, journalists should be sure to this – for example, the floods • We need to broaden the emphasize the human-side of the climate story. happened as a result of way we think of stories. cutting down trees – we don’t For example, we often often report on this. As media, report on specific crops we need to expand how we being drought resistant, view stories and ensuring but we don’t consider the we are telling the right story nutritional value (health) or Beware of “greenwashing.” Companies when it needs to be told, and the consumer’s preference. are waking up to public demands for eco- not just the final impact that Systems thinking can be a an incident might have. conscious business practices. Pledges to “go useful way to start thinking • green,” however, often amount to little more than We want to move beyond about these inter-related just reporting, and instead issues and can help us to marketing campaigns that obscure unmitigated write compelling stories produce better stories. carbon footprints. So cast a skeptical eye on grand RETURN TO promises of net-zero or carbon-negative emissions. CONTENTS 101 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Avoid “doom and gloom.” We can and must understand the epochal consequences of climate change. If our coverage is always negative, however, it “leaves the public with an overall sense of powerlessness “ It just reaches this point where people feel hopeless and overwhelmed “And when we feel that way, psychologists say, we tend to just avoid and deny, and tune out.” We need to tell stories of innovation and activism and adaptation. Emphasize the experiences— and activism—of the poor, and the power of indigenous Go easy on the jargon This is a tried and true tenet of knowledge Environmental justice is key journalism generally, but it especially applies here. The climate to the climate story. The poor, both in rural and story is full of jargon—parts per million of carbon dioxide, urban contexts in Africa have long suffered first micrograms of particulate matter, and fractions of degrees and worst from heat waves, floods, and other Centigrade. climate impacts. Yet their voices and stories are too often omitted from news coverage. Good Always assume that your target audience is not scientists or fellow climate reporting not only highlights these climate journalists and ask yourself: How can I help someone people’s issues, it also recognizes that they are new to the problem understand it easily and accurately? Where frequently leading innovators at the forefront possible, avoid clustering technical terms. And when attempting of the climate fight. to quantify climate change, try to employ simple analogies. RETURN TO CONTENTS 102 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Extreme weather stories are climate stories. The news is full of, floods, unseasonable rainfall, record heatwaves, pest outbreaks and drought. They are not all due to climate change, but the increased frequency and intensity of such extreme weather certainly is. Let’s shift the outdated belief that climate coverage repels audiences and loses Yet much news coverage makes little to no mention of the climate connection, leaving money. Climate stories have a bad reputation as low- audiences without context and unaware that traffic ratings killers. This might have been true in the past, but humanity is already experiencing climate demographic shifts and growing public awareness have brought disruption. increased demands for smart, creative climate coverage— especially from young audiences, for whom the climate The climate connection need not dominate emergency is often top-of-mind. coverage, nor distract from the vital information audiences need in the face of emergency We need to tell stories of innovation and activism and adaptation. weather conditions—but mentioning it is a must. RETURN TO CONTENTS 103 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM Focus on Response to Social Use of Evidence Problem Any claim should be The response should focus on a substantiated by adequate user unique approach to solving an data surrounding the issue. If issue and be explained within the there’s a lack of data surrounding context of the issue. a problem, that should be Furthermore, the story should explored and shared with the elaborate on the actual performance audience.  of that solution and how it works.  Reporting on Limitations No response to an issue is Offering Insight  going to be perfect, so it’s Exploring issues should automatically necessary for a solutions story yield solutions and illuminate new to share the downfalls of each questions. A good piece will bring the response with the readers and reader along as those solutions and dig into why the response has RETURN TO questions are explored.  failed or could be improved.  CONTENTS 104 Photo: ©AICCRA | Kiara Worth Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 The IPCC’S 6 principles for public engagement 1. Be a confident 3. Connect with what 5. Lead with what you know communicator matters to your audience 2. Talk about the real world, 4. Tell a human story 6. Use the most effective visual not abstract ideas communication Five ways media and Journalists can support climate action while tackling misinformation 4. 3. 2. Build trust and 1. A climate ‘Get local’ engagement change and think that can Stop being story goes more about combat dis/ so (overly) beyond (the) climate misinformation Dramatic climate justice 5. Be guided by Science and embrace ‘yes’ RETURN TO CONTENTS 105 Elements of a compelling climate change story MODULE 7 Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Four drivers of change Evidence Narrative Advocacy Activism • Data Why now, what are Persistent direct Take it to the streets. • Facts the stakes, what engagement with Build support. • Evidence happens next, who decision-makers, Get attention. • RETURN TO Grounded Insight needs to change. negotiation and follow-up. CONTENTS 106 Elements of a compelling climate change story Thematic sections of the toolkit Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals 107 RETURN TO CONTENTS Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Defining climate change How can we respond Linking the science Building a narrative and climate impacts on to climate change in to practice and of transformation and the continent Africa? policy innovation Action Building a network of journalists and communication professionals Module 5 Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 108 RETURN TO CONTENTS Understanding our Targeting an audience Elements of a Building a network of networks and thinking and behavior change compelling climate journalists and in systems change story communication professionals Engagement Opportunities – 2023 109 RETURN TO CONTENTS 110 RETURN TO CONTENTS 111 RETURN TO CONTENTS What Media Professionals & AICCRA Regional Partners would like to see More training and Capacity building for journalists and communications persons on climate change and agriculture Respect for journalists More media engagements on issues to do with climate change Increased access to technology and information Update media database Allocate resources to train journalists on specific areas of reporting Bridge the gap between corporate communication and journalists Be timely and prompt to the call of a journalist when they come seeking information Media support and logistics that will enable journalists to conduct or carry investigative stories 112 RETURN TO CONTENTS Some solutions to improving communication between journalists and regional partners Join the Network. • Communicate to media with easy to understands ideas or information. If you have any other • Build relationships and grow networks. colleagues who want to join • Follow up with the media once a press release has been sent out. the network, please share • the QR code below to join Capacity building for journalists relating to climate change. • the AICCRA Media Channel! Conduct capacity strengthening activities for the media relating to climate change. • Overcome delays in information flow from institutions, particularly for emergencies. • Rely on reputable journalists with a wider audience. • Create expert databases. • Raise awareness on the importance of training and collaborating with journalists rather than opting for damage control. • Train media on the technical aspects of the organization so that they are fully aware and understand what we do. • Modeling collaborative behavior. • Organize field visits with the journalists to provoke interesting topics. • Increase the budget for communication departments to support media coverage of organizational activities. • Organisations should have a dedicated media liaison who would serve as a point of contact and help foster regular engagements. 113 RETURN TO CONTENTS Photo: ©Kelvin Trautman Key References Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate FAO. 2018. Climate-smart agriculture training manual − A reference manual Change Adaptation A Special Report of Working Groups I and II of the for agricultural extension agents. Rome. https://www.uncclearn.org/wp- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Cambridge University content/uploads/library/ca2189en.pdf Press, Cambridge, UK, and New York, NY, USA, pp. 65-108. FAO. 2013. Climate-smart agriculture sourcebook. http://www.fao.org/ Gosling et al., 2020. Information Brief: Agriculture in the SADC Region Under docrep/018/i3325e/i3325e.pdf Climate Change. SADC Futures: Developing Foresight Capacity for Climate Resilient Agricultural Development Knowledge Series. CCAFS Report. Bhusal A., L. Khatri, B. Bhandari, L. Sherpa and G. Neupane. 2020. Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA): Training Manual. Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, World Wildlife Fund. 2023. Defining Climate Adaptation & Mitigation. Research and Development (LI-BIRD) and Ministry of Land Management, Available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-s-the-difference- Agriculture and Cooperative (MoLMAC), Gandaki Province, Pokhara, Nepal. between-climate-change-mitigation-and-adaptation [accessed: 20 March https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/111199 2023]. CGIAR, 2016. Climate-smart agriculture 101: The basics. https://csa.guide/ csa/what-is-climate-smart-agriculture 114 RETURN TO CONTENTS Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. Explore our work at aiccra.cgiar.org This Climate Change and Agriculture AICCRA Media Training Toolkit is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial 4.0 International License. aiccra.cgiar.org info@cgiar.org CGIARAfrica 115