Improving Access ​to Information for ‍Internally​ Displaced People in ​Burkina Faso

Journalist Rasmané Zongo Presents Research on Meeting the Information Needs of UDP Balé

Ouagadougou, September 3, 2024 – Rasmané Zongo, a ‌journalist and student at ⁤the École Supérieure de ‍Journalisme (ESJ) in Lille and the University of Lille, successfully defended‍ his dissertation on an International Master’s Degree in Media Management. His research, titled “Improving Access ⁤to Information for Internally Displaced People: The Case of La Voix des Balé,” explores the information needs of Internally Displaced People​ (IDPs) in Burkina ⁤Faso.

Zongo’s research ⁤was motivated ‌by the observation that La Voix des Balé radio, ⁢a local radio station, often neglects the needs of IDPs in its programming. He notes that‍ IDPs require ‌accurate and timely⁤ information about humanitarian responses, particularly in times of ⁢crisis. However, host populations​ and displaced people often lack access to such information, leading to difficulties in coexistence,⁣ especially regarding land and ⁣water access.

To ‍address ‌this issue, Zongo suggests that La Voix des Balé radio can ‍play a crucial ‍role in ⁣raising⁤ awareness and drawing ⁤attention to the ⁣needs⁤ of IDPs⁤ in Balé ⁢province. He proposes adjusting the radio program schedule to better cater to the needs of IDPs, which could also generate income from partners.

Zongo’s ‌research⁢ involved analyzing La Voix des ​Balé⁢ programs, ‍conducting surveys, and interviewing humanitarian structures, ​services, listeners,⁢ and IDPs. His findings indicate that creating and hosting radio programs in local languages can effectively meet the ⁢information needs of⁣ IDPs. ⁤The majority of IDPs have access to ⁤radios, either through mobile ⁢phones⁢ or radio receivers.

Almost all⁣ IDPs expressed willingness to ​participate⁢ in program production and listen ⁢to the radio as a group to discuss⁣ their concerns. The preferred languages ⁢for radio ⁣programs are Moore, Dioula, Fufuldé, and French. Zongo’s ‍data analysis reveals that social cohesion and⁤ a culture of peace⁤ are central to ⁣the concerns of IDPs.

The research identifies suitable broadcast themes for IDPs, including social cohesion, peace, food,⁢ reproductive health, education, ⁢health, civil status, and⁢ local development.⁤ IDPs in Balé require support ‌in terms‌ of‌ food, ⁣water, health, education, financial assistance, ⁤employment,⁤ income-generating activities, clothing, housing, arable land, and civil status ⁤documents.

Zongo’s dissertation was deemed acceptable and satisfactory by the jury, chaired by Fabrice Caudron. The jury praised⁢ the work for its‌ focus on a often-forgotten target ‌audience, namely IDPs.

Key Findings:

• IDPs require accurate and timely information about humanitarian responses.
• La⁤ Voix des Balé radio can play a crucial role in raising awareness​ and ⁢drawing attention to the⁤ needs of IDPs.
• Adjusting ‌the radio program schedule can better cater to⁣ the needs⁤ of IDPs and generate income from ⁤partners.
• Creating‌ and hosting radio programs in local languages can effectively meet the information needs ⁢of⁤ IDPs.
• IDPs require support in terms of food, water, health, education, financial assistance,⁤ employment, and more.

Recommendations:

• La Voix des Balé radio should adjust its program schedule ‍to better⁣ cater to the needs of IDPs.
• The radio station ⁤should create and host programs in local languages to meet the information needs of IDPs.
• Humanitarian organizations and stakeholders should⁣ provide support to IDPs in terms of food, water, health, education, and more.