Natural Resource Management

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Wall Newspaper - Nepal

Country

Nepal

Regions

Global, Africa, South Asia

Programme Summary


A highly successful attempt to provide news to rural villagers of Nepal through a newspaper. The newspaper is posted in a local area where many people gather, and is read by passers-by. It is an alternative to the primarily urban press and is evaluated by the villagers yearly to improve shortcomings. The objective of the newspaper is to provide locally relevant news to areas with poor media penetration and literacy.

Communication Strategies



A single page newspaper focussing on rural events and ideas which is posted in a public area for villagers to read. It uses simple Nepali as the language of choice for people whose literacy is low. Good accessibility is facilitated through large type and simple print with a lot of pictures and graphics. Journalists visit rural villages to get information and to create the newspaper in a language that the villagers will understand with relevant stories for the people.

Development Issues



The newspaper deals with topics such as conservation, environmental protection, local events (such as disaster control in fire season), and health issues like diarrhea and oral re-hydration. National and International issues are discussed in thenewspaper to allow for villagers to become more aware of their world.

Key Points



A severe lack of information in rural areas even though access to information is a basic right in Nepal makes it difficult for villagers to gain information about the outside world. Low literacy (which is on the rise) and small purchasing power make the task even more difficult. The newspaper is supported as important post-literacy material.

Partners



Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), World Conservation Union (IUCN)

Contact


Editor: Rajesh Ghimire, P.O.Box 5143, Ph:261991 Fax:00977-1-261191

Source

Development Communication Report, Spreading News and Literacy in Nepal: The Batabaran Wall Newspaper. Sanjay Upandhya, No. 79 1992/4. Adapted from and article written in NEFEJ Newsletter.


Placed on the Communication Initiative site July 10 2001
Last Updated July 10 2001



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