INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ENHANCING CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS, ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION IN ZIMBABWE: OPPORTUNITIES AND SHORT-COMINGS.

Henri-Count Evans: Independent Media and Development Researcher (Qualification: Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Studies: National University of Science and Technology-Zimbabwe) ABSTRACT Research Questions 1. Do the New Information and Communication Technologies have a role to play in enhancing climate change awareness, adaptation and mitigation? 2. What are the benefits of using Information and Communication Technologies in climate change mainstreaming in Zimbabwe? 3. What are the challenges faced by citizens in their use of technologies in climate change awareness, adaptation and mitigation? Objectives The research sought to 1. Assess the role of the Information and Communication Technologies in climate change mainstreaming, 2. Examine the benefits brought about by the new information technologies in the promotion sustainable innovation and climate change mainstreaming, and 3. Investigate the challenges faced by citizens in accessing and using new information and communication technologies in climate change mainstreaming, Research Methodology The study adopted a qualitative research design. In terms of data gathering techniques the study employed qualitative interviews, qualitative content analysis, historical and document analysis. Results The new information and communication technologies provide a platform where citizens access information on climate change awareness, adaptation and mitigation. However, marginalised communities are left out of the mainstreaming drive due to the lack of access to the technologies. Conclusion The new information technologies have made climate change mainstreaming easier, cheaper and faster in Zimbabwe. However, marginalised areas are being left out of this development due to technology accessibility constraints. Recommendations The government, private sector and the civil society must invest more in the extension of internet accessibility radii and telecommunications so as to reach-out to marginalised rural areas.