In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, effective risk communication – providing advanced information on risks and potential hazards – is vital, especially for marginalised communities. The Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation (M4H) programme’s latest research, “Enhancing Inclusion in Mobile-Enabled Risk Communications: Lessons from South Africa,” sheds light on the crucial role of inclusive communication strategies in disaster preparedness and response.
Effective early warnings, a type of risk communication, can save lives by providing timely alerts about extreme weather events. However, to maximise their impact, these systems must be inclusive, ensuring that even the most marginalised populations receive, understand and are able to act on the warnings. The United Nations’ Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative aims to cover every individual by 2027, highlighting the need for inclusive risk communication strategies.
The recently released research focused on South Africa, a country often facing severe weather challenges. Using human-centred design methods and partnering with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS), we assessed the effectiveness of mobile-enabled risk communications among marginalised populations. Across three locations, Durban, East London, and Musina, we spoke to older people, migrants, women, people with disabilities, and youth – groups identified by the SARCS as groups at risk of exclusion.
Here are some of the key findings:
Access to technology
Financial barriers significantly affect access to technology, limiting the reach of risk communications. “I have a smartphone. My daughter-in-law bought it and put WhatsApp on it. But I don’t use it because I don’t have money for the data.” – Woman, Durban. Marginalised populations often rely on interpersonal networks and word of mouth for information about weather hazards. However, digital channels play a vital role in reaching communities with information. Youth, being more digitally connected, can serve as digital connectors within their communities, helping to disseminate vital information.
Trust in communication channels
Weather is viewed as a low-risk topic in terms of potential fraud or disinformation. However, trust in the communication channel and the information source plays a critical role in how communities engage with and respond to risk communications. Traditional media like TV and radio were found to be the most trusted channels, while mobile phones, despite their widespread use, can face trust issues due to the prevalence of scams and message fatigue. “We’re always ‘winning’ competitions we don’t even enter.” – Migrant, Musina.
Barriers to understanding
Understanding weather information can be challenging, especially for those with low literacy levels, language barriers or impaired vision. Simplifying information through clear and concise messaging, using local languages, and incorporating visual aids can significantly enhance comprehension and actionability. “Sometimes it is difficult to know the difference between a normal weather situation and one that is going to be really dangerous.” – Youth, Durban.
Actionability of information
The ability to take preventative action is influenced by financial resources, location-based factors, and awareness of risk. Providing actionable information that is geographically specific and relevant can prompt timely responses and enhance preparedness. “Tell us where to go, what to do, when the storm will hit, and how severe the damage is going to be. – Woman, Durban. Many marginalised communities also rely on others to help them take action and a lack of local support networks can be a barrier: “We are on our own. We can’t think of moving. Some people just cry and wait.” – Older person, East London.
Recommendations for inclusive risk communication
To address these challenges, the report offers several recommendations, some of which reinforce well-recognised global best practices, for creating more inclusive and effective risk communication strategies. For example, while mobile channels are effective, they should be complemented with TV, radio, and community networks as part of a multi-channel approach. Trusted local leaders and organisations play a crucial role in extending the reach of information to those without direct access to technology. Between family members and neighbours, there is often someone with a mobile phone, and close-knit community structures help to spread information quickly. “These days, everyone is connected to information, whether you have technology or not.” – SARCS staff.
Engaging communities at every step of risk communication strategies, from inception to implementation, ensures information is understood, trusted and actionable, and fostering ongoing dialogue facilitates knowledge sharing and maintains trust. Expanded recommendations on communication methods, content development and community engagement can be found in the report.
As we work towards the goal of EW4All, it is essential to consider the unique challenges faced by marginalised communities to build more inclusive risk communication strategies. By addressing these unique challenges, we can harness the life-saving power of risk communications and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the information they need to protect themselves and their assets effectively.
To delve deeper into the findings and recommendations, the full report can be read here.
