ROLE OF TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION IN UGANDA; CASE OF BUSHENYI-ISHAKA MUNICIPALITY
DR.THOMAS GISEMBA ONSARIGO GISEMBA ONSARIGO
Paper Contents
Abstract
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, significantly impacting natural environments, economies, and human societies. Developing countries like Uganda, which depend heavily on agriculture and natural resources, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This study explores the role of telecommunication technology in mitigating climate change in Uganda, with a specific focus on Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model. The study used the following objectives: to assess the effectiveness of telecommunication technology in promoting sustainable environmental practices, and to evaluate the impact of telecommunication technology on community awareness and engagement in climate change mitigation efforts. The study employed an ex-post facto research design, utilizing secondary data sources. The target population was 50,000 individuals. A sample size of 200 participants was selected using stratified random sampling from among residents (100), business representatives (50) and government officials (50). Secondary data was collected from various sources, including government reports, telecommunication companiessustainability reports, and academic publications. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results revealed that telecommunication technology significantly contributes to climate change mitigation by enhancing communication and information dissemination on sustainable practices. The use of mobile applications and social media platforms has increased community awareness and engagement in environmental conservation activities. Furthermore, telecommunication technology has facilitated remote working and virtual meetings, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. The study concluded that telecommunication technology plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. The study recommends an increased investment in telecommunication infrastructure to support broader access and usage, Development of targeted telecommunication-based programs to educate and engage the community in climate change mitigation efforts and Collaboration between telecommunication companies, governmental agencies, and local communities to leverage technology for environmental sustainability. By integrating telecommunication technology into climate change strategies, Uganda can enhance its efforts towards a more sustainable and resilient future.Key words; Telecommunication Technology: Climate Change Mitigation: Community Awareness and Engagement: Sustainable Environmental Practices:
Copyright
Copyright © 2024 DR.THOMAS GISEMBA ONSARIGO. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.