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The BBC World Service Trust is the BBC's international charity. It uses the creative power of media to reduce poverty and promote human rights.
The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. As well as education, it runs programmes in the arts, science, sport, governance and English language.
Sudan Talks Climate
What do people think about climate change in Sudan? Can communication and media strategies be tailored to support Sudan's response to climate change?
In August 2009, the BBC World Service Trust conducted research in Sudan to gauge public understanding of climate change.
The research consisted of 12 focus group discussions with Sudanese citizens, as well as 18 in-depth interviews with opinion leaders from government, religious institutions, the private sector, the media and civil society.
Findings included:
Although some Sudanese in urban areas explain climate change with reference to scientific terms and concepts, most Sudanese outside of urban areas do not. Most Sudanese have noticed changes in the weather and seasons, and experienced drought, flooding, changes in rainfall and temperature increases, but do not associate these phenomena with global climate change.
There is disparity in levels of awareness and knowledge of climate change along urban-rural lines, with people in urban areas knowing significantly more than those in rural areas. There are no major differences in knowledge, however, between the north and the south of Sudan.
Changes in climate are not noticed by Sudanese in isolation from broader environmental changes. People in Sudan are keenly aware of environmental degradation and natural resource depletion. They make little distinction between environmental degradation and climate change.
Drought and flooding caused by shifting seasonal rains and irregular rainfall are causing frustration and despair. Farmers and pastoralists do not have a sense of how they would cope if the problems became worse. other issues that people are worried about include deforestation, desertification, rubbish and air pollution. opinion leaders are particularly concerned for rural communities.
In both rural and urban areas, people think it is the responsibility of government, NGOs and the private sector to respond to environmental problems. They feel that as individuals they are unable to respond to environmental challenges or to adapt (particularly in rural areas), instead calling for organised assistance.
People believe that it would be possible for them to adapt to environmental changes with improvements to infrastructure (particularly to help them cope with prolonged water shortages) and an increase in food aid and income assistance.
Opinion leaders acknowledge the potential for environmental changes or resource scarcity to lead to conflict in Sudan. However, citizens do not make these links; the only way in which people link conflict to environmental change is through smoke, bombs and weapons, and the legacy they have left behind.
Sudanese draw on their existing knowledge and beliefs to explain the effects of climate change. For example, many think that deforestation in their area reduces local rainfall, and some incorrectly believe that smoke from cars and factories damages the ozone layer, which makes it hotter.
Many also believe that changes in the weather are the will of God, and that the negative changes they witness in the environment are a form of divine punishment or fulfilment of Biblical/Quranic messages. This view is prevalent in all areas outside of Khartoum.
NGO representatives say their response to climate change and environmental issues is hindered by the short time scale of project funding and competing donor interests. It is a challenge to initiate long-term response.
Click here to download the report (pdf) 