The Role of Yoruba Language in Environmental Management: A Focus on Climate Change Communication

Abstract

Effective climate change communication is essential for promoting public awareness and encouraging the adoption of appropriate adaptation strategies. However, linguistic barriers often limit access to scientific climate information among many African communities. This study evaluates the significance of the Yoruba language in climate change communication across three selected Yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria.

Respondents were selected purposively from five key groups: traditional rulers and elders, media practitioners, environmental policymakers and activists, academics and researchers, and community members. Data were collected using structured questionnaires (\(n = 100\)), semi-structured interviews (\(n = 50\)), focus group discussions, and content analysis of Yoruba-language media programmes. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were interpreted thematically.

The findings revealed that 70% (\(n = 70\)) of participants listened to climate-related messages on Yoruba-language radio programmes daily, while 65% (\(n = 65\)) watched Yoruba-language television programmes. However, only 50% (\(n = 50\)) read Yoruba-language newspapers, and 40% (\(n = 40\)) accessed climate-related news in Yoruba on social media, indicating a strong reliance on oral communication channels. Yoruba idioms (*àsàyàn ọ̀rọ̀*), proverbs (*òwe*), and folktales (*ìtàn*) were found to be effective in communicating climate messages and making complex scientific concepts more understandable.

Despite these benefits, the study identified several challenges, including the lack of standardized Yoruba vocabulary for scientific terminology, generational shifts in language preferences, and the influence of local beliefs on climate change perceptions. Comparisons with previous research suggest that using indigenous languages in climate communication can strengthen community engagement and facilitate behavioural change, consistent with global calls for culturally appropriate climate communication.

The study recommends expanding Yoruba-language climate communication on social media, developing standardized translations of climate-related terminology, and integrating indigenous environmental knowledge into policy frameworks. It further emphasizes the need for stronger collaboration among traditional leaders, media professionals, and environmental organizations to sustain indigenous-language participation in climate change awareness and advocacy.