




































American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences  

Vol. 1, No. 2; 2019 

ISSN 2643-0061   E-ISSN 2643-010X 

Published by American Center of Science and Education, USA 

 

7 

 

 

Effectiveness of the Use of Indigenous Language in Disseminating 

Climate Change Information for Sustainable Environmental 

Development in Nigeria 

 
 

Adekunle Olatumile PhD 

Department of Adult Education 

Adekunle Ajasin University 

Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria 

E-mail: Adekunle.olatumile@aaua.edu.ng 

Phone no: +2347065049411 

 

 Bola Tunde-Awe PhD 

Department of Arts Education 

Adekunle Ajasin University 

Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria 

E-mail: bolajoko.tundeawe@aaua.edu.ng 

Phone no: +2348038082052 

 

 

Abstract 

Climate change has undoubtedly brought with it many seemingly intractable challenges and is already having 

significant impacts in Nigeria, and these impacts are expected to increase in the future. Rural dwellers 

environmental behaviour is not all that positive, because the language used in disseminating environmental issues, is 

mostly English and not the indigenous language.  Information disseminated in English Language in most cases is not 

easily comprehended, because most of the rural dwellers are not literate in it. The instrument used is a self-

constructed test.  The study adopted the quasi experimental method. Purposeful sample was used to select two 

groups, with twenty people in each group. The two groups were taught the causes and effects of climate change, one 

group was taught using English Language and the other group using Yoruba. A test was administered to each group 

to determine their level of comprehension. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Yoruba group are 

more in-depth in their knowledge of climate change than English group. The use of mother tongue is germane in the 

dissemination of information regarding environmental sustainability, however climate change messages will be most 

effective if there is mix of English Language and Yoruba Language as there is no segment of the society that will be 

left out.  

 

Keywords: Climate Change, Language, Mother Tongue, Adaptation, Mitigation. 

1. Introduction 

The issue of climate change seems to be the most dominating social discourse in the 21st century because it has 

undoubtedly brought with it many seemingly intractable challenges.  

 

Climate can simply be defined as ‘average weather’ and is described in terms of the mean and variability of relevant 

characteristics such as temperature, precipitation and wind over a period of time ranging from months to thousands 

or millions of years. Climate reflects how weather behaves over the long-term, it is different from weather which is 

regarded as a particular meteorological condition that humanity experience daily, it is often characterized by 

precipitation, temperature, wind, and so on. Meteorological conditions, like the annual average temperature at the 

earth’s surface, change over time, and a small change in these conditions can result in ice ages, or warm periods. 

Over the past century, an increase of the earth’s average surface temperature of about +0.76°C has been observed. 

Several natural factors that can influence the climate,  include changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun, volcanic 

eruptions, or  heightened or diminished solar activity. However, 

mailto:Adekunle.olatumile@aaua.edu.ng


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the current global warming that humanity is experiencing has been primarily linked to an increased concentration of 

heat-trapping greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in 

the atmosphere (UNESCO/UNEP, 2011). 

 

The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report confirms that the warming of the 

global climate is unequivocal and this is due to human activities (also known as anthropogenic activities) which 

have been increasing since the dawn of the industrial age. These activities include, among others, the burning of 

fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), clearing of forests, and agricultural practices all of which lead to increased GHG 

concentration in the atmosphere. The impacts of global warming manifest in conditions such as melting glaciers, 

increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, cyclones or heavy rainfalls, sea level rise, and 

changes in plant growth which affect agriculture and food production. These and other observed changes are 

expected to intensify and inflict a significant impact on human societies and the environment around the world 

especially if no drastic efforts are undertaken to reduce the emissions of GHGs into the atmosphere 

(UNESCO/UNEP, 2011). 

 

There is a discernible human influence on the global climate; put simply, humans have contributed to observed 

global warming. The current consensus of the scientific community is that the following fundamental conclusions 

provide only a glimpse of the changes that future generations will have to accept and face (UNESCO/UNEP, 2011): 

 The planet is warming due to increased concentrations of heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere. 

 Most of the increase in the concentration of these gases over the last century is due to human activities, 

especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. 

 Natural causes always play a role in changing Earth’s climate, but are now being overwhelmed by human-

induced changes. 

 Warming the planet will cause many other climatic patterns to change at speeds unprecedented in modern 

times,     including increasing rates of sea level rise and alterations in the hydrologic cycle. Rising 

concentrations of carbon dioxide are also making the oceans more acidic. 

 Climate change impacts are already being observed, including more frequent and extreme weather patterns, 

changes in plant growth affecting agriculture and food production, loss of plant and animal species unable 

to adapt or migrate to changing conditions, changes in the spread of infectious diseases in terms of the rate 

and the expansion of ranges, changes in the flow of ocean currents, and changes in seasons.  

 The combination of these complex climate changes threatens coastal communities and cities, our food and 

water supplies, marine and freshwater ecosystems, forests, high mountain environments, and far more.  

The effects of human activities have also been identified in many other aspects of the climate system, including 

changes in ocean heat content, precipitation, atmospheric moisture and Arctic sea ice. 

 

2. Mitigation and Adaptation  

Proactive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – mitigation – and lessen the harm of climate change 

impact – adaptation – are two different but complementary approaches towards dealing with climate change. 

Mitigation tackles  the causes of climate change while adaptation tackles its effects on society and the environment. 

Mitigation is necessary as a means to avoid climate change impacts. The idea that less mitigation now will result in 

greater climatic change and consequently require more adaptation later is the basis for the urgency surrounding 

GHG emission reductions. If no action is taken to reduce emissions, the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere 

could reach double that of pre-industrial levels by 2035, virtually binding the planet to a global average temperature 

rise of over 2 °C. In the long term, there would be a greater than 50% chance that the temperature rise would exceed 

5 °C. This rise is equivalent to the change in average temperature from the last ice age (10,000 to 12,000 years ago) 

to date. Such a radical change would lead to major changes to where people live and how they live their lives. It 

would also mean radical changes that will likely impact negatively on each of the world regions. UNESCO/UNEP 

(2011) suggested that the following strategies are necessary to reduce the risks of climate change: 

 Mitigation – the causes of climate change are removed by reducing GHG emissions.“avoid the 

unmanageable…” 

 Adaptation – 

 

 



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the effects of climate change are dealt with by coping with their negative impacts. 

 

“… and manage the unavoidable” (Kropps and Scholze 2009). Adaptation to observed and projected future climate 

change is already taking place, though only on a limited basis. Some examples of adaptation measures that are being 

implemented include the introduction of drought tolerant crops, building of houses which are more resistant to 

weather events, introduction of flood and coastal defences, and restoring mangroves to reduce vulnerability to storm 

surges and sea level rise (UNESCO/UNEP, 2011). 

3. Climate Change impact in Nigeria 

The impact climate change is assuming alarming dimension in Nigeria. Flooding, cyclone, desertification, ocean 

incursion, acid rain and so are in the increase and are already having significant impacts in Nigeria, and these 

impacts are expected to increase in the future. Recent estimates suggest that, in the absence of adaptation, climate 

change could result in a loss of between 2% and 11% of Nigeria's GDP by 2020, rising to between 6% and 30% by 

the year 2050. This loss is equivalent to between N15 trillion (US$100 billion) and N69 trillion (US$460 billion). 

This large projected cost is the result of a wide range of climate change impacts affecting all sectors in Nigeria 

(Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Department 2011). 

 

A study by DFID (2009) predicts a possible sea level rise from 1990 levels to 0.3 m by 2020 and 1m by 2050, and 

rise in temperature of up to 3.2°C by 2050 under a high climate change scenario. This is based on IPCC climate 

change assumptions, latest research findings and results of a consultation exercise in Nigeria. The low estimate 

predictions are for sea level rise of 0.1 m and 0.2 m by 2020 and 2050 respectively, and a temperature increase of 

0.4 to 1°C over the same time periods. Sea level rise of 1m could result in loss of 75% of the Niger Delta (Ministry 

of Environment 2010).  

 

The National Environmental, Economic and Development Study (NEEDS) document identified paucity of 

information as one of the challenges facing climate change policy formulation in Nigeria. It stressed that up-to-date 

data that is critical for climate change analysis and information dissemination, as well as improve our understanding 

of the climate problem in the context of sustainable national development, is not readily available in Nigeria in a 

coherent and accessible manner. The country will need to reinforce its efforts at putting in place a comprehensive 

climate change information management system that is updated periodically and readily accessible (Ministry of 

Environment 2010). 

 

4. Need for Specially Packaged Information Model for Climate Change Information 

 

Climate change by its peculiar nature calls for a special climate change information design. For example climate 

information and support services play a critical role in providing early Warning Systems (EAS) as well as increasing 

awareness for building the capacity and disaster preparedness to a changing climate. Choice of of the dissemination 

channels can influence access and use of climate information and service disseminated to enable the vulnerable 

groups exposed to climatic hazards build adequate response capacities (Cherotich, Saidu and Bebe 2012) According 

to Menny, Osberghaus, Pohl, and Werner (http://ftp.zew.de/pub/zew-docs/dp/dp11060.pdf) climate change is the 

triggering mechanism for a variety of changes, but it cannot be experienced in itself. The consequences triggered by 

climate change happen very slowly and can only be determined through statistical analysis of temperature and 

precipitation data, and  by continuous monitoring of their variations and the effects induced on the natural 

environment such as extreme weather events. These observations and analyses have to take a long view, therefore 

generating long-term predictions. 

Perusing literature, Menny, Osberghaus, Pohl, and Werner (http://ftp.zew.de/pub/zew-docs/dp/dp11060.pdf) 

discovered that all these factors create an image of climate change as a phenomenon in which most people can 

believe or not since they mainly must rely on scientific models, expert judgments, and media reports. Personal 

http://ftp.zew.de/pub/zew-docs/dp/dp11060.pdf
http://ftp.zew.de/pub/zew-docs/dp/dp11060.pdf


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experiences with potential effects of climate change, e.g. longer drought periods for farmers or more frequent 

flooding of homes, are rare. Therefore it can be assumed that the majority of people rate the risk of climate change 

on an abstract, cognitive level which might lead to an underestimation of the hazards of climate change. 

Information dissemination is a two way process, passing information, knowledge or ideas from a (source) one 

person or a group of persons to another person or group of persons (receiver) in a cyclic manner in which the source 

may turn the receiver and vice-versa. An examination of environmental messages by authors and authorities shows 

an alienation of most of the people who the messages are meant for. The reason is that the messages are packaged in 

the language that most people do not understand- English language. The newspapers content, and most radio and 

television programmes are designed in English language, Not only does the language of packaging make the 

messages foreign and elite-oriented, it results in the ex-communication of the people for whom messages are meant. 

Olusola (2007) itemised the following significance of indigenous languages to environmental communication: 

Language is primarily a means of conveying meaning from one person to another i.e it is a means of 

communication. However, it does not exist independent of culture. In other words, language is situated within a 

socio-cultural setting or community. It is an integral part of culture, a reflection of many features of a given culture. 

Like culture itself, it is a learned behaviour, which can be facilitated or enhanced through direct or indirect context 

of acculturation. 

The inseparable nature of language from culture makes it of much significance to environmental communication. As 

noted by Soola (1998) cited by Olusola (2007) the success of any development message will be determined by the 

extent to which such communication is “predicated on an understanding of the society’s culture, its peculiar syatem 

of values and attitudes” 

Wallace 1996 cited by Olusola (2007),  also noted that cultural context and intimacy with culture will give a deeper 

meaning to the understanding of language and the circumstances in which it occurs will determine believability or 

sense of reality. This aligns with Oladipo’s 1995 Cited in Olusola (2007) view that the meaning of a linguistic 

expression cannot be established outside the context of the form of social interaction which shapes it. It follows then 

that indigenous language being a part and carrier of culture is best suited for communicating environmental 

messages. Owens-Ibie 2002 quoted by Olusola (2007) identifies the acceptability of language of communication to 

the audience as one of the criteria for thriving environmental awareness campaign. This stresses the significance 

indigenous language to environmental communication because it is most acceptable language to the audience being 

an integral part of the culture of the people. Wallace 1996 as recorded by Olusola (2007) emphasised the point that 

native language when used in the media, writing or the arts is powerful in bringing about changes in the lives of 

people. He also stated that the native language heals; it sets the mind positively in whatever endeavour being 

undertaken and that it is critical to being whole and well. He adds that the native language is a catalyst toward 

strengthening the concept of becoming; that is, the recognition of the importance of self, getting to know and 

accepting self. Indigenous language has been proved to be very potent in creating a critical mass of real 

communication for substantial change (Burnay, 1997 cited in Olusola 2007). Fafunwa cited in Adekunle 1995 and 

quoted by (Olusola 2007) also noted that indigenous language can be used to raise the standard of living in the rural 

areas by using them in adult education programmes to teach basic technology. Folarin and Mohammed 1996 quoted 

by Olusola (2007) had also called attention to the fact that indigenous language press can be a veritable instrument 

in mobilising the vast majority, who are unlettered in English language, to be involved in the political process. 

Going by the foregoing, it is incontrovertible that climate change information dissemination seems defective in 

Nigeria, hence the submission of Mbah and Ayegba (2013) that lack of proper information dissemination, is the 

major problem militating against proper management of human environment. He further argued that a good number 

of people are yet to be aware of causes and effects of climate change because of lack of proper information 

dissemination.  



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5. Statement of the Problem 

A perusal of environmental messages shows a disconnect of the target audience of such messages, this is because the 

messages are disseminated through a language that is not commonly understood by the majority of the vulnerable 

people. Environment messages in newspapers and most radio and television programmes are usually disseminated in 

foreign language “  not only does the language of packaging makes the message foreign and elite oriented, it results 

in ex-communication of the people who the messages are meant for”. Even the the indigenous language newspaper 

(Alaroye) gives very low coverage to environmental sustainability. A study on development content of Yoruba 

newspapers (Salawu, 2002) shows that all the development issues combined take 27.3% of editorial content issues 

of newspapers analysed. Olatumile (2014) content analysed some community newspapers and found that 

environmental issues were not part of their editorial content. One major challenge facing implementation of policies 

in Nigeria is inadequate dissemination of information, especially to the marginalised rural dwellers. The imperative 

of communication to environment as it concerns creation of awareness and attitude change demand urgent attention, 

because the magnitude of environmental problems underscores the urgent need for a more determined approach to 

solving the problems. Rural dwellers environmental behaviour is not all that positive, because the language used in 

disseminating environmental issues, is mostly  English and not the indigenous language.  Information disseminated 

in English Language in most cases is not easily comprehended. Therefore this study is set to make a case for the use 

of indigenous language in disseminating information on climate change among rural dwellers. 

6. Purpose of the Study 

 Ascertain the difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers 

 Ascertain the difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of sex 

 Ascertain the difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers 

 Ascertain the difference between Yoruba and English language in the understanding and assimilation of 

information as regard environmental sustainability 

 7. Research Question 

 Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers? 

 Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of sex? 

 Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating information 

on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of age? 

 Is there any difference between Yoruba and English language in the understanding and assimilation of 

information as regard environmental sustainability? 

8. Research Method 

The population of the study is inhabitants of Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State Nigeria. Akungba-Akoko is a 

heterogenous community that is assuming an urban status because it houses a university. With the influx of 

University students, the population is becoming explosive and it is not devoid of the implication of environmental 



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challenges. The instrument used is a self-constructed test.  The study adopted the quasi experimental method. 

Purposeful sample was used to select two groups, with twenty people in each group. The two groups were taught the 

causes and effects of climate change, one group was taught using English language and the other group using 

Yoruba language. Yoruba is one of the three major languages spoken in Nigeria, it is the language of the people of 

South West Nigeria. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. 

Research Question 1: Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating 

information on climate change among rural dwellers? 

Table 1: Cross tabulation showing difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating 

information on climate change among rural dwellers 

Language Scores 40% 60% 80% 100% Total 

English F 4 7 5 4 20 

% 20.0 35.0 25.0 20.0 100.0 

Yoruba F 0 5 5 11 20 

% 0.0 25.0 25.0 55.0 100.0 

Total F 4 12 9 15 40 

% 10.0 30.0 22.5 37.5 100.0 

 

The result in table 1 above revealed that most of the participants that got the information in Englisg Language 

assimilated with an average performance of 60%. The distribution was such that 4 (20%) of the participants that got 

the information in English Language had 40% on the rating, 7 (35%) had 60% rating, 5 (25%) had rating of 80%, 

while 4 (20%) had rating of 100%. The findings of participants that got the information in Yoruba showed that none 

had rating of less than 60%. 5 (25%) had rating of 60%, 4 (20%) had rating of 80%, while 11 (55%) had rating of 

100%.. These imply that majority of those that got information in Yoruba Language performed better compared to 

those that got the information in Yoruba performed better compared to those that got information in English 

Language. Therefore dissemination of information on environmental sustainability is better delivered using mother 

tongue. 

Research Question 2:  Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating 

information on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of sex? 

Table 2: Mean and standard deviation summary showing the difference in the use of mother tongue and English 

language when disseminating information on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of sex 

Language Sex Mean Std. Deviation N 

English 

 

 

Male 

Female 

Total 

3.13 

3.67 

3.45 

6.41 

1.231 

1.050 

8 

12 

20 

Yoruba 

 

 

Male 

Female 

Total 

4.57 

4.15 

4.30 

.787 

.899 

.865 

7 

13 

20 

 

Total 

 

Male 

Female 

Total 

3.80 

3.92 

3.88 

1.014 

1.077 

1.042 

15 

25 

40 

From the table above, it was depicted that both males and females that received information on environmental 

sustainability in English Language had similar mean score they all ranged around three. Although, there were little 

difference such that females (M=3.67; SD=1.231) scored higher compared to males (M=3.13; SD=0.641). The 

findings from the retention of information disseminated in Yoruba Language indicated that both males and females 



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had similar mean score, but contrary to that of English Language, males (M=4.57; SD=0.787) performed a little 

higher compared to their female counterparts (M=4.15; SD=0.899). 

Research Question 3:  Is there any difference in the use of mother tongue and English language when disseminating 

information on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of age? 

Table 3: Mean and standard deviation summary showing the difference in the use of mother tongue and English 

language when disseminating information on climate change among rural dwellers on the basis of age. 

Language Age Mean Std. Deviation N 

English 

 

 

21-30 years 

31-40 years 

41-50 years 

51-60 years 

Total 

 

3.71 

3.36 

3.00 

3.45 

 

1.380 

.924 

.000 

1.050 

 

7 

11 

2 

20 

Yoruba 

 

 

21-30 years 

31-40 years 

41-50 years 

51-60 years 

Total 

3.00 

4.33 

4.67 

4.00 

4.30 

 

.707 

.816 

1.155 

.865 

1 

9 

6 

4 

20 

 

Total 

 

 

21-30 years 

31-40 years 

41-50 years 

51-60 years 

Total 

3.00 

4.06 

3.82 

3.67 

3.88 

 

1.063 

1.074 

1.033 

1.042 

1 

16 

17 

6 

40 

 

The result in Table 3 above showed the influence of language on disseminating of environmental sustainability 

information on the bases of age groupings. The result of those exposed to information in English Language revealed 

that they all had similar mean score ranging around 3. The differences were such that those within the age ranges of 

31 and 40 years had the highest impact mean score of 3.71. This was followed by those within the age ranges of 41 

and 50 years with mean score of 3.36. Lastly were those within the ages of 51 and 60 years. This implies that using 

English language impacted more in younger individuals better compared to older ones.  The result of those exposed 

to environmental sustainability in Yoruba indicated that most of them fall within the mean score of 4. The highest 

observed were those within the age range of 41 and fifty years with mean score of 4.67. this was followed by those 

within the age ranges of 31 and 40 years with the mean score of 4.33. the least were those within the age range of 21 

and 30 years with the mean score of 3.00, while they were followed by those within the ages of51 and 60 years with 

mean score of 4.00. The result indicated that the highest dissemination and assimilation of environmental 

sustainability information in Yoruba was among individuals within the ages of 31 and 50 years, while those below 

and above these groupings were less impacting. 

Research Question 4: Is there any difference between Yoruba and English language in the understanding and 

assimilation of information as regard environmental sustainability? 

 

Items 

Response       Language 

English Yoruba Total 

   

What is climate 

Change? 

Right F 9 17 26 

% 45.0 85.0 65.0 

Wrong F 11 3 14 

% 55.0 15.0 35.0 



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One of the human 

factors that cause 

climate change is? 

Right F 18 18 36 

% 90.0 90.0 90.0 

Wrong F 2 2 4 

% 10.0 10.0 10.0 

What method could 

be used to reduce 

climate change? 

Right F 16 18 34 

% 80.0 90.0 85.0 

Wrong F 4 2 6 

% 20.0 10.0 15.0 

What are green 

house gases? 

Right F 7 16 23 

% 35.0 80.0 57.5 

Wrong F 13 4 17 

% 65.0 20.0 42.5 

What are the effects 

of climate change? 

Right F 19 17 36 

% 95.0 85.0 90.0 

Wrong F 1 3 4 

% 5.0 15.0 10.0 

 

The result in table 4 above showed the extent to which language could affect the dissemination, assimilation and 

understanding of information on environmental sustainability. It was indicated on the first item enquiring about 

knowledge of climate change, majority of the participants (55%) that got the information on English Language did 

not understand it properly. On contrary view, majority of those that got the information in Yoruba (85%) understood 

it, while just 15% did not assimilate the information properly. This implies that it is preferable to pass information 

on definite meaning of climate change through mother tongue than the use of other formal language. 

The question about the human factor that causes climate change indicated that participants in both group (English 

and Yoruba) understood and assimilated the information rightly. This was with majority of 90% each getting the 

message in the right forms. This implies that the dissemination of information on the human factor causing climate 

change could either be disseminated in mother tongue or English Language, this is because it will be well 

assimilated by the target audience. 

The response on the method that could be used to reduce climate change indicated that participants that got the 

information in Yoruba understood it better than those that got it in English. This was such that 90% assimilated 

properly in Yoruba while 80% did in English Language. This implies that the dissemination of information on 

method to reduce climate change can best be done using mother tongue since individuals will understand and 

assimilate better when enlightened through the medium of Yoruba. 

The test on understanding of what greenhouse gas means indicated that majority will better understand this concept 

if explained in their mother tongue. This was with the findings that showed that most of the participants that got the 

information in English Language were not able to explain the concept (65%). Just 35%. From the list of those that 

got the concept in Yoruba Language, 80% were able to explain the concept rightly. This implies that information on 

greenhouse gases are better disseminated in Yoruba than in English Language. 

Lastly, the table revealed that most of the participants that got the information on the effect of climate change in 

both languages understood it. Although those that got it in English Language were higher than those that got it in 

Yoruba Language. This was with 95% in English language and 85% in Yoruba Language. This implies that 

information on effect of climate change will better be disseminated in English language. 

 

 



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9. Discussion 

Findings of the study corroborated the findings of other researchers. For instance, Okafo and Noah 2014 found that 

98.07% of the total respondents opined that the language used in carrying out developmental projects is of great 

significance to the success of the project.  97.11% respondents believed that when local languages are used in the 

execution of community development projects, participation is enhanced. 100% of the respondents agreed that the 

use of local language of the target group is better than the use of foreign language for the purpose of community 

mobilization. Oyero (2007) and Islam and Salma (2016) in his study found that indigenous language is significant in 

broadcasting, 88% of the respondents understand radio programme better in their indigenous language. 95% agreed 

that they derive better meaning from the radio messages when the indigenous language is used. 

10. Conclusion  

Knowledge is key to sustainable environmental development, as such knowledge of people about climate change is 

key to the development in the area of sustenance of the environment. The use of mother tongue is germane in the 

dissemination of information regarding environmental sustainability more in particular the use of mother tongue in 

dissemination of information seems to be more effective in rural communities who seem more vulnerable, however 

climate change messages will be most effective if there is mix of English Language and Yoruba Language as there is 

no segment of the society that will be left out.   

11. Recommendations 

 Climate change messages should be packaged using a blend of English Language and indigenous languages 

in Nigeria. 

 Mother tongue and the its components like folklore, tales, proverbs, riddles songs  and the likes should be 

used in packaging of information regarding environmental sustainability for rural dwellers. 

 Media outfits, Environmental Professionals, NGOs, and environmental Activists should translate climate 

change messages to the indigenous Languages of the immediate environment in Nigeria.. 

 Local Government should organise seminars, workshops, and talks in Languages of the environment for the 

purpose of sensitising people about the need to be environmentally conscious. 

 Female children should be encouraged at tender age to cultivate the habit of using mother tongue 

 Production of billboards, posters, handbill, flyers with climate change messages in the language of the 

environment should be encouraged  

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Cherotic V K, Saidu O, Bebe B O (2012) Access to climate Change Information and Support  Services by the 

Vulnerable Groups in Semi-Arid Kenya for Adaptive Capacity  Development. African Crop 

Science Journal  20 (2) 169-180 of the Roles of Discussion Paper No. 11-060 

 

Federal Ministry of Environment (2010) National  Environmental, Economic and  Development Study 

(NEEDS) for Climate Change in Nigeria (Final Draft). Abuja:  Federal Ministry of Environment. 

 

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