West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program (WA BiCC)
Inclusive Media and Community Action: Connecting Communities to Climate Resilient Solutions
Topic: Climate Resilience, Wildlife Conservation
Location: West Africa
Forest Blessings WA BiCC Radio Show: A drama about a successful fisherwomen and a village chief learn to sustainably use natural resources for the survival of their families and community.
West Africa’s coasts, forests, and wildlife face significant threats from climate change.
Storytelling to Improve Climate Resilient Practices
From 2016 to 2021, Rising Impact partnered with the USAID-funded West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) initiative to address environmental challenges across 15 West African countries.
Through storytelling and community engagement, Rising Impact produced culturally resonant content—including radio dramas, short videos, and live call-in shows—that educated communities about sustainable practices, amplified local voices, inspired behavior change, and built resilience and capacity among regional and local organizations.
Content
Radio Drama
Videos
Comic Books
Website
Conversation
Call-in Shows
Social Media
Newsletters
Action
Policy Dialogs
Training Workshops
We consider the radio drama a very important tool to advocate for a call to action by state actors.
— Mayor of Bonthe, Sierra Leone
Positive Impact on Communities and Local Capacity
IMPACT
23K
people attended mobilization activities
45K
people reached through the campaign
3.1
Million Social Media Impressions
Network and Skill Development
Through our workshops and dialogue, because of this program, local radio producers create more engaging shows, and local leaders improved advocacy skills for natural resource protection.
Rising Impact is empowering communities to improve climate change and biodiversity conservation through compelling media that amplifies initiatives such as WA BiCC.
West Africa’s coasts, forests, and wildlife face significant threats from climate change, weak governance, and unsustainable resource management. These challenges jeopardize ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them.
This program was made possible through the support of USAID and the collaboration of local and regional partners across West Africa.
Our evidence-based approach
Coalition Building & Formative Research
Training & Program Design
Mentoring & Production
Broadcast & Community Mobilization
Monitoring & Evaluation
