Abstract: This study sought to determine the role of community radio (CR) in promoting rural development. Radio Habari Njema in Mbulu district in Manyara region in Tanzania was used as a case study. The study employed a case study research design using mixed methods techniques where by both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed with the sample size of 54 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The study found that RHN as a community radio was playing a key role through its programs to improve agriculture, youth participation, gender equality, protection of environment, promoting good governance and reduction of negative cultural practices. The study recommends that the management of community radios should prepare programs in a more participatory manner with the community it serves. CFs, have to call in programs by inviting leaders to come to talk on various development issues and give them a chance to be interrogated by the people on how they solve various development challenges and expand the coverage to attract many audience for rural development in Mbulu district, Manyara, Tanzania.
Keywords: Community radio, Communication, Community mobilization, rural development, Development, Participatory Communication.
Title: Role of community radio in promoting rural development: A case study of radio Habari Njema in Mbulu district, Manyara, Tanzania
Author: Lucy Stephen Sungu, Peter Anthony Kopoka
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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