Abstract:
Challenges of communicating risk are critical in disaster situations, particularly in areas like Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, where risk-prone societies face significant challenges in conveying information. Unfortunately, inadequate communication can lead to devastating consequences such as loss of life, injuries, economic disruption, and environmental degradation. This study examined the efficacy of communication strategies deployed during the Nyiragongo Volcano eruptions in Goma, employing Wood's actionable risk communication theory as a framework. It evaluated the effectiveness of risk communication strategies used during previous volcanic eruptions by assessing the extent to which the community of Goma implemented protective measures. The goal was to identify the factors that influence people's perceptions to improve future risk communication efforts.
This research utilized a combination of semi-structured, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data, ensuring that the findings accurately reflected the population from which the sample was taken. While a purposive sampling method was employed, a snowballing technique emerged in certain instances, with respondents referring the researcher to other potential key informants during the data collection process.
The study aimed to conduct in-depth interviews with 15 respondents and four mixed focus group discussions. Through a thematic qualitative analysis procedure, the data gathered during the interview process has shed light on the intricacies of risk communication in the context of volcanic eruptions in Goma. The findings shed light on the difficulties both senders and recipients of critical information encounter. Conflicting information from multiple sources, language barriers, and inconsistent timing of communications were among the challenges identified, leading to misunderstandings, confusion, and a loss of credibility in the conveyed information.
