Influence Of Radio On The Economic Empowerment

(A Case Study ESBS Radio Of Agbani community)

5 Chapters
|
65 Pages
|
10,752 Words

Radio, a powerful medium of communication, exerts a profound impact on economic empowerment by serving as a catalyst for information dissemination, community engagement, and entrepreneurial development. The auditory nature of radio makes it an accessible and inclusive tool, particularly in regions with limited access to other forms of media. Through targeted programming, radio broadcasts contribute to the dissemination of crucial economic information, such as market trends, investment opportunities, and financial literacy. Moreover, radio fosters community cohesion, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and collective economic initiatives. By featuring local businesses and entrepreneurs on air, radio provides a platform for showcasing success stories, inspiring others, and fostering a sense of economic agency within the community. This dynamic and accessible medium thus plays a pivotal role in shaping economic narratives, fostering empowerment, and contributing to the sustainable development of communities.

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at finding out hoe ESBS Radio has helped in the economic empowerment of Agbani community and to find out the possible ways to improve the economic standard of the dwellers of Agbani community. This study was based on uses and gratification theory. The researcher consulted relevant literature to raise secondary data while survey method was used to generate primary data for analysis. The data generated using questionnaire was tested using Chi-square goodness of fit test formula. Data was presented in table and extensively discussed to enable the researcher draw her conclusion and make recommendations. Based on the result of the findings, it was concluded that ESBS Radio has made some effort to impact positively on the economic empowerment of Agbani community, although it is not farfetched.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Declaration
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
List of Tables
Abstract

 

CHAPTER ONE:
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO:
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Review of Concepts
2.2.1Concept of Radio Broadcasting
2.2.2 Concept of Empowerment
2.2.3 Concept of Economy
2.3 Review of Related Studies
2.4 Theoretical Framework
2.5 Summary

CHAPTER THREE:
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sampling Technique/ Sample
3.5 Description of the Research Instrument
3.6 Validity and Reliability of Data Gathering Instrument
3.7 Method of Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR:
4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis
4.3 Testing of Hypothesis
4.4 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE:
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of Findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Suggestion for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix a
Appendix b

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study

The potency of radio has given credence to its use as a tool for grassroot development. Nwuneli (1986), explains that after a decade of research on the relationship between various media of mass communication and socio-economic variables, it is now a generally held belief among development communication scholars that broadcasting particularly radio- could be the most effective media for transferring information on various social change programmes from government and other institutions to the masses living in the developing nations of the world of which Nigeria is a part.
Radio seems to have an edge over the other media of communication, Nwuneli (1986) vividly paints a picture with these comparisons; the print media has to contend with the problem of high illiteracy and as such is considered limited to educated people in urban areas as opposed to radio’s flexibility in language use and wide coverage.
The cost of purchasing a television automatically excludes many Nigerian’s from the use of the medium as opposed to radio which is affordable, available and portable.
Thus, exposure to radio is far greater and effective than any other mass medium due to the fact that radio lends itself to the predominant oral culture of the people. He further asserts that this is true especially if programmes are produced in the predominant local language of the target audience.
Moemeka (1998, P133) revealed that “the UNESCO declared in 1957 that there was convincing evidence from projects in many parts of the world , that the mass media can be effectively applied to the development of resources to meet basic economic, social,
political, educational, and cultural needs of the nations. These efforts were of course centred on the use of radio”
Nsi (1993) reinforces the above when he articulates that there is something about radio that makes it appropriate for integrated rural development. He reviewed rural development in the light if self help efforts through radio programmes on; farming, education, flow of information, and health care, including the much needed family planning programmes and not as the need to focus only on the government efforts at providing rural areas with necessary infrastructure.
Moemeka (1981, P42), adds that “ in the performance of its task, radio feeds the people with information about what is likely to be, thus making it possible for individuals and communities to re-adjust themselves in ways best suited to their situations.
The role of radio and its programming in development has been evident over the years even at present.
Enugu state broadcasting service (ESBS) was established for effective information dissemination in all parts of the state. It was to bridge the information gap between the ruralites and urban areas and to stimulate interest between government and rural folks. This is the reason for dedicated rural economic programmes like ESBS/IMT UNIAIR etc. These programmes exist in electronic media but nothing has been done to ascertain the effect that would justify the relevance of these programmes. It is in the light of the above that this study is designed to measure the effectiveness of ESBS economic programmes among dwellers of Agbani community of Enugu state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
The importance of radio cannot be over-emphasized; globally, nationally, and locally, as it performs many functions in the society. It is pertinent to see the extent to which ESBS radio have impacted on economic empowerment in Agbani community

1.3 Objectives of the Study
The following objectives were relevant to this study;
I. The objectives of this study are to know the extent to which Agbani dwellers are exposed to ESBS radio.
II. To find out if Agbani dwellers accord credibility to economic empowerment messages from ESBS.
III. To know if the information received from ESBS radio have any impact on the economic empowerment of their community.

1.4 Research Questions
The researcher used the following research questions for the study;
I. To what extent are Agbani dwellers exposed to ESBS economic empowerment programmes by Agbani dwellers?
II. What is the believability rate of ESBS economic empowerment programmes by Agbani dwellers?
III. To what extent can ESBS radio help to improve the economic empowerment of Agbani community?

1.5. Research Hypothesis
The researcher used alternative hypothesis for the study.
H1: ESBS Radio programmes are effective in the economic empowerment of Agbani community.

1.6. Scope of the Study
This study is restricted to Agbani community in Enugu state. It is further going to be narrowed down during data collection to specific areas within the community.

1.7. Significance of the Study
It is hoped that the study will be very important in many repects. This study is therefore aimed at highlighting the influence of radio on economic empowerment of Nigeria. it will provide a sufficient resource materials for further studies in the field related studies, thereby extending the frontiers of knowledge. To radio producers and presenters, the findings of the work will aid in the proper implementation of economic empowerment grass root programmes and campaigns. To the government, this study will serve as a platform for planning and making of relevant policies that border on the economy and informing the ruralities.
And finally, it will serve as evaluation reference materials for general study of communication development study and scholars.

1.8. Definition of Terms
The terms were operationally defined.
i. ESBS
This means Enugu state broadcasting service. It is the radio that operates in the Agbani community. It is the radio that gives out economic empowerment messages to the people.
ii. Rural areas
Rural area is a place where rural people live. Agbani community is a rural area that was studied.
iii. Radio programmes
These are programmes designed by the ESBS radio and which is to be transferred among everybody in Agbani community.
iv. Economic empowerment
This involves stirring up in the people of Agbani the necessity to work and create wealth for them to sustain a good life.
v. Poverty
Poverty here refers to the standard of living of the people of Agbani community and other rural areas. It is a life of lack, insufficiency, rejection and need of Agbani.

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Influence Of Radio On The Economic Empowerment Of Community:

The influence of radio on the economic empowerment of communities can be significant. Radio, as a mass communication medium, has the power to reach a wide audience, including people in remote and underserved areas. Here are some ways in which radio can positively impact economic empowerment within a community:

  1. Information Dissemination: Radio serves as a powerful tool for disseminating information related to job opportunities, vocational training, financial literacy, and government programs. When communities are informed about these opportunities, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their economic activities.
  2. Agricultural Development: In rural communities, radio can be used to broadcast agricultural information, such as weather forecasts, crop management techniques, and market prices. This enables farmers to make better decisions, improve crop yields, and negotiate fair prices for their produce.
  3. Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses: Radio programs can feature success stories of local entrepreneurs, provide business advice, and promote local businesses. This can inspire individuals to start their own businesses, leading to job creation and economic growth within the community.
  4. Financial Literacy: Radio can be a platform for financial literacy programs that teach community members about savings, investments, and responsible borrowing. This knowledge can empower individuals to make sound financial decisions and access financial services.
  5. Microfinance and Banking Services: Many communities lack access to traditional banking services. Radio can serve as a means of communication between microfinance institutions, credit unions, and potential clients. It can also educate people on how to access and use financial services.
  6. Community Development Projects: Radio can be used to promote and explain community development projects, such as infrastructure development, sanitation, and healthcare initiatives. These projects can create jobs and improve the overall economic well-being of the community.
  7. Advocacy and Awareness: Radio can be a platform for advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized or vulnerable groups within a community. When these groups are empowered and included in economic activities, it can lead to more equitable economic growth.
  8. Skill Development and Training: Radio can provide information about vocational training programs and workshops, enabling community members to acquire new skills or upgrade existing ones. These skills can enhance employability and income-earning potential.
  9. Crisis Management and Resilience: In times of economic crises or natural disasters, radio can be a lifeline for communities. It can provide emergency information, facilitate relief efforts, and offer guidance on how to recover and rebuild.
  10. Market Access: Radio can facilitate access to larger markets for local products. It can promote local crafts, agricultural products, and other goods, helping communities find new customers and increase their income.

In conclusion, radio plays a pivotal role in fostering economic empowerment within communities by providing access to information, promoting education and skills development, and facilitating communication and networking. Its ability to reach diverse audiences and disseminate relevant content makes it a valuable tool for improving economic conditions and overall well-being in communities, particularly in areas where other forms of communication may be limited.