Community Radios and Climate Change Communication: Mapping Grassroots Experiences of the ‘Shubh Kal’ Project in Bundelkhand, Central India

This research paper evaluates the 'Shubh Kal' pilot project (2012-2013), which used community radio in the Bundelkhand region of Central India to bridge the knowledge gap between farming communities, scientists, and policy makers regarding climate change adaptation.

• The 'Shubh Kal' project successfully improved the climate change knowledge of community radio reporters. A baseline survey showed 44.78% of reporters were unaware or had only partial understanding of climate change, but by the end of the project, 64.2% could correctly identify the main causes of climate change and the links between industrialisation, vehicular emissions, and anthropogenic disturbances.
• Community radio reporters acted as effective information intermediaries, facilitating a two-way flow of knowledge. They translated complex scientific data into locally relevant messages for farmers and communicated grassroots concerns and traditional knowledge back to scientists and government officials.
• The use of an 'infotainment' approach—incorporating radio dramas, jingles, folk songs, and talk shows in local dialects—was highly effective in maintaining community interest and encouraging the adoption of adaptation measures without making the content too information-heavy.
• The project led to tangible behavioral changes among farmers in Bundelkhand. Examples include farmers switching from chemical fertilizers to organic composts after hearing experts on the radio, and others adopting farm bunding, water harvesting, and utilizing government subsidies for farm ponds and biogas plants.
• Narrowcasting—playing radio programmes for small listener groups in villages outside of broadcast times—was critical for reaching those who missed broadcasts and for fostering face-to-face dialogue and feedback.
• The project established formal partnerships between community radio stations and government agencies. Authorities from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agriculture departments in the four districts signed partnership letters to continue providing extension services and information to the radio stations.
• The pilot project enhanced the professional confidence and social standing of the radio reporters. 92.8% of reporters reported improved confidence and journalistic skills, with some noting increased recognition and respect from government officials and scientists in their districts.

APA

Bisht, H., & Ahluwalia, N. (n.d.). Community Radios and Climate Change Communication: Mapping Grassroots Experiences of the ‘Shubh Kal’ Project in Bundelkhand, Central India. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Manuscript-Community-radios-and-climate-change-communication-Mapping-grassroots-experiences.pdf

Chicago

Bisht, Harshita, and Neelam Ahluwalia. Community Radios and Climate Change Communication: Mapping Grassroots Experiences of the ‘Shubh Kal’ Project in Bundelkhand, Central India. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, n.d. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Manuscript-Community-radios-and-climate-change-communication-Mapping-grassroots-experiences.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Bisht |first1=Harshita |last2=Ahluwalia |first2=Neelam |title=Community Radios and Climate Change Communication: Mapping Grassroots Experiences of the ‘Shubh Kal’ Project in Bundelkhand, Central India |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Manuscript-Community-radios-and-climate-change-communication-Mapping-grassroots-experiences.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{bishtndcommunity, author = {Bisht, Harshita and Ahluwalia, Neelam}, title = {{Community Radios and Climate Change Communication: Mapping Grassroots Experiences of the ‘Shubh Kal’ Project in Bundelkhand, Central India}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Manuscript-Community-radios-and-climate-change-communication-Mapping-grassroots-experiences.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }