https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc <p>The Journal of Development Communication (JDC) is an international publication dealing with an array of development-related topics. The main objective of JDC is to examine the role of communication in promoting national and regional development and to offer &nbsp;insights into practical tools, innovative practices, and emerging trends in the field of development communication. JDC is concerned with understanding people, their beliefs and values, and the social and cultural norms that shape their lives. &nbsp;JDC provides a forum to discuss ideas and issues on the processes, strategies and principles of&nbsp;communication&nbsp;that empower individuals and communities to take actions to improve their lives. Published twice yearly, in June and December, the Journal is published for professionals, practitioners and students concerned with development issues in the world today. &nbsp;Original research, &nbsp;viewpoints,&nbsp; and &nbsp;book reviews on any current issue directly or indirectly related to development communication are &nbsp;published in this Journal.&nbsp;</p> Asian Institute for Development Communication (Aidcom), Department of Communication, UniversitI Selangor, Jalan Zirkon A 7/A, Section 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: (603) 5522 3599 E-mail: aidcom@unisel.edu.my URL: http://www.aidcom en-US The Journal of Development Communication 0128-3863 <ul> <li>Open Access authors retain the copyrights of their papers, and all open access articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.</li> <li>The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, and so forth in this publication, even if not specifically identified, does not imply that these names are not protected by the relevant laws and regulations.</li> <li>While the advice and information in this journal are believed to be true and accurate on the date of its going to press, neither the authors, the editors, nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made.The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.</li> </ul> https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/262 <p>This study explores the media mediation strategies employed by mothers in guiding their children's media consumption, focusing on how mothers' media literacy levels influence their practices. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing importance of digital engagement in children's lives, it is crucial to understand the strategies mothers use to protect and educate their children in this digital landscape. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Ten mothers of children aged 6 to 12 years in Davao City, Philippines, participated in the study. The quantitative data was gathered using Renee Hobbs’ Media Literacy Scale to assess mothers' media literacy, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended survey questions and follow-up interviews. The findings revealed six key themes in maternal mediation practices: proactive media management, interactive media education through parental dialogue, family bonding through media, discipline rooted in family values, prioritizing digital safety and privacy, and the influence of peer practices and virtual communities. The study found that higher media literacy among mothers positively influenced their ability to engage in more effective mediation strategies, emphasizing the importance of education, family values, and digital safety. These results underscore the role of mothers not only as supervisors but also as active mentors in their children's media consumption. This research highlights the need for continued support for mothers in developing media literacy to foster safer and more meaningful digital experiences for children.</p> Merle Dawn S. Comidoy-Acol ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 1 9 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/263 <p>This research examines public perceptions of government communication on Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The human capital, two-way symmetrical communication and resistance theories underpinned this study. A total of 491 Ghanaians responded to a set of questionnaires distributed to them via Google Forms. Data was analysed using cross-tabulations, means, standard deviations, independent samples t-test and One Way ANOVA. Respondents perceived the Free SHS policy as a good initiative which has increased secondary school enrolment, brought financial relief to parents and guardians, and promoted equity in secondary education. Nevertheless, respondents saw the policy as inadequate in achieving quality secondary education due to implementation challenges. Respondents perceived awareness creation on the policy as very effective. However, public education and advocacy on the policy by the government were not very effective. Also, government communication has not been very effective in explaining the policy to persuade the public to fully support it. Significant differences manifested in the views of respondents on the level of effectiveness of government communication on the policy due to differences in educational backgrounds. Respondents identified factors including transparent communication, reliable funding source, periodic research and evaluation, improved consultation and de-politicization as critical to the sustainability of the policy. The theoretical and policy implications of the findings have been outlined in the study. The Ministries of Education and Information should collaborate with the Free SHS Secretariat to organize training programmes on participatory, transparent and clear government communication strategies to all relevant stakeholders to promote public understanding of the policy.</p> Daniel Odoom, PhD Albert Anani-Bossman, PhD Ernest Opoku, PhD Isaac Tandoh, PhD Kwame Bediako Asare, PhD ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 10 26 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/264 <p>Khat is mostly grown in Eastern African countries as a cash crop. Although it has been linked to many health effects and anti-social behaviors – necessitating its control in many countries – khat is legal in Kenya. Founded on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study examines the perceived benefits and effects of khat from the perspectives of the residents of khat-growing areas of Meru County in Kenya. Drawing from 15 in-depth interviews (men=11, women=4), the study’s data corpus were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings show five major themes in relation to the perceptions towards growing and consuming khat: source of income, symbol of freedom, identity of heritage, driver of development, and khat as a medicinal plant. On the effects, three themes emerged; school dropouts, health consequences, and violence associated with consuming the khat. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that khat is viewed as an important aspect of people’s identity and a major source of income, regardless of the negative effects associated with its consumption. Implications for the study are also discussed.</p> Robert G. Nyaga ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 27 38 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/265 <p>This paper delved into the effects of modern media on the preservation of traditional African moral values and economic development in Ghana. The paper is purely qualitative and relied mainly on related literature. Content and thematic analyses were employed. It was revealed that radio and television, especially in African contexts, serve as medium for passing down cultural norms, values, and practices. By showcasing traditional music, storytelling, and other cultural elements, media platforms contribute to maintaining a sense of continuity in cultural identity. The ability to convey perceptions, hopes, and dreams unrestricted on these platforms enables Africans to actively participate in shaping their cultural narrative. It was revealed that increased media consumption correlates with a rise in support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and More (LGBTQIA+) rights in Africa. Also, media can be used as a tool for exacerbating hate speech and propaganda. Media literacy programmes and public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about media's influence and encourage critical thinking. Education systems should integrate cultural education highlighting traditional values, history, and practices into the academic curriculum. Academic institutions should invest in research to continuously monitor media's impact on cultural values and economic development.</p> Thomas Azagsiba Agana Abdallah Issah Winifred Esinam Agbolosoo Linda Achelema Gaayuoni ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 39 59 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/266 <p>Child Rights violation is a cankerworm ravaging the society today, which has contributed adversely to shattered dreams and future of most Nigerian children. This constitutes a big threat to societal growth and development. Both government and the mass media have great roles to play in the promotion and protection of rights of children in the society. Unfortunately, the reverse is almost the case in most Nigerian societies as these rights are being violated and ignored with outright impunity by persons who ought to have protected them. Worst still, issues on child rights violation do not enjoy prominence and adequate media attention as most cases are unreported or underreported with negatively framed reports against the children. This study therefore assesses the combined role of the mass media and government in promoting and protecting child’s rights and preventing violence against street children in Cross River State. Using survey research method with questionnaire and interviews to collect data from 400 respondents and interviewees, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and explanation building method. The common causes of children rights violation were identified while the study also evaluated the roles of the mass media and government with practicable recommendations.</p> Ukam Ivi Ngwu, PhD John Inah Ukam, PhD Anthony Ogande Celeste Alex Ukam Achibong Anderson ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 60 72 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/261 <p>Provincial journalists play a vital role in gathering news from a specific geographical area and sending it to a main newsroom in a particular media station. Moreover, the provincial journalists have to face several challenges in their profession in gathering, sending and publishing news. Therefore, the study is carried out to investigate the challenges faced by the provincial journalists in Sri Lanka in terms of television news using the Motivational System Theory (MST). The interviews were conducted with twenty provincial journalists covering almost all the districts in Sri Lanka. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The results showed the personal and institutional factors affecting the news coverage of provincial journalists. In other words, the provincial journalists faced challenges due to several personal and institutional factors. Moreover, at the institutional level, the provincial journalists faced several challenges such as delayed and inadequate payments, working for several media stations simultaneously without having proper payments, low professional recognition, inadequate welfare schemes, training, resources and awareness given by the media stations, no proper recruitment procedure, political influence, newsroom agenda, violating ethical journalism standards, male dominate news coverage and less female representation etc. On the other hand, personal factors such as less qualifications, education, training, resources, motivation and skills are also negatively affecting provincial journalism. Therefore, it is important to establish a proper work culture to uplift the profession of the provincial journalists. Moreover, the responsible parties should provide the required resources, facilities, payments, opportunities, guidance, training, and awareness, proper recruitment procedure to create a professional and encouraging work environment for provincial journalists in Sri Lanka. It is also essential to maintain gender equality and ethical standards to establish a healthy and positive work environment for provincial journalists.</p> Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 73 79 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/267 <p>Effective communication that will enable rural farmers in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT-Abuja) to adequately understand climate change issues has continued to be a major barrier in mobilizing them for mitigation and adaptation practices. In a study population of predominantly rural farmers in the Dobi community of Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT-Abuja, this study was carried out to provide an understanding of the role of effective communication in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Using Participatory Communication Theory and primary sources of data gathering and analysis methods through Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews, the study found that climate change communication targeting rural farmers is ineffective because the state and non-state actors rely on the use of English as a language of communication while targeting rural farmers who rely on Indigenous languages as a means of social interaction. The study also found that the use of Indigenous communication strategies is the most appropriate means of climate change communication among the Dobi people because they rely on it as the most acceptable and effective way of communication among themselves. The study established that the lack of community participatory practice in climate change communication results in the rural farmers' poor understanding of the issues. Therefore, the study concluded that the non-involvement of rural farmers in the climate change communication process, and the adoption of English as a language of climate change communication disproportionately affect their understanding of the issues, resulting in poor mitigation and adaptation practices. Hence, the study recommended the active involvement of rural farmers in the communication process and the adoption of local languages for effective climate change communication when targeting rural farmers and population.</p> Audu Liberty Oseni ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 80 86 https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/268 <p><strong>Book Review</strong></p> <p>"Digital Transformation in the Middle East: Insights from <em>The Digital Double Bind". <br></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Azira Azlin Shaharuddin Munirah Ilias ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2024-12-30 2024-12-30 35 2 87 88