In recent years, Mozambique has made strides towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and reducing human insecurity and absolute poverty. However, it is still one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 184 out of 187 countries and territories in the 2011 Human Development Index. The country’s frequent and devastating natural disasters create significant challenges for development, while widespread poverty makes communities more vulnerable to disaster risks. The Government of Mozambique has recognised that reducing the country’s vulnerability to disasters is fundamental to sustainable development.
Community radio provides an unmatched avenue for the widespread distribution of locally appropriate information concerning disaster risk reduction (DRR). It is a vital tool for early warning. Radio can also be a resource for education, information and opening community dialogue around mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mozambique, as part of the United Nations Delivering as One Joint Programme on Disaster Risk Reduction, has been working to strengthen the DRR capacity of Mozambique’s community radio sector, especially in the Zambezi Limpopo Valleys.
Focusing on broadcasting around disaster risk reduction, this English-language manual, adapted from a Portuguese-language training toolkit, Sempre Alerta: Redução do Risco de Calamidades, was produced to further support community radio’s role in DRR. The Portuguese toolkit comprises a 3-module training programme, sample training plans, handouts and printable materials on CD.
The guide is useful for programme managers using the toolkit, and those who are developing their own training programmes, in both the radio and other communication sectors. While background information is specific to Mozambique, programming ideas and approaches to communicating DRR can be applied across a wide variety of settings.
Compiled and edited by Community Media for Development (CMFD), the guide was produced in collaboration with the Instituto de Comunicação Social (ICS), National Institute of Disaster Management (INGC), and station partners.