Belenga Dev.

Climate Advocacy: What does that look like now?

In Zimbabwe, diverse stakeholders collaborate on innovative approaches to climate advocacy, recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), research institutions, international organizations, the private sector, and youth groups are all actively involved. NGOs raise awareness, government sets policy, and communities take action. Research institutions guide the way, while international support strengthens efforts. Businesses are joining the conversation, and youth are taking center stage. This multifaceted approach aims to raise awareness, build resilience, and promote sustainable practices at local and national levels. This fertile ground for collaboration fosters innovation, and new ideas are sprouting to tackle climate change.

Where is the gap?

In addressing the existing gap in climate advocacy, our approach diverges by targeting energy users directly, striving for behavioural change rather than solely focusing on resilience building. Recognizing women as primary household energy managers, we personalized the intervention to demonstrate the direct impact on their daily lives and pockets. By engaging with individuals at this personal level, we aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of energy consumption patterns and encourage sustainable practices. This innovative strategy fosters ownership and empowerment, catalysing meaningful action.

The innovation

Our innovation lies in providing personalized information by utilizing an amalgamation of data from three sources. Firstly, leveraging our team's expertise in meticulous research, we spent two years gathering localized baseline behavioural and statistical data (https://medium.com/@blngazw). Secondly, we integrated established scientific facts into our approach. Thirdly, we utilized personalized energy usage data from our MyEnergy platform, offering unique features such as personalized energy reports, individual usage patterns, and actionable insights. Combining these, we created a "personal chat" experience accessible via SMS or WhatsApp. It empowers users by presenting complex energy information in a clear way, offering personalized actionable steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Why it works

We believe our approach shines because it's product and people-centered. We speak directly to the heart of the issue - how energy use impacts lives and wallets - with clear messaging, free of jargon. By eschewing complex jargon and instead focusing on mass appeal and reach, we ensure accessibility and resonance across diverse audiences. Delivering the right message at the right time through users' preferred channels creates a win-win, empowering individuals and driving meaningful climate action.

The future of advocacy is "personal"

Looking ahead, the future of climate advocacy embodies personalized communication that speaks directly to individuals while providing context within broader themes. Imagine receiving personalized insights on how draft legislation affects you, or how your taxes are utilized to fund initiatives, along with guidance on how to contribute and have your voice heard. This tailored approach fosters a deeper understanding of the relevance of climate issues in one's daily life, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards sustainability. Through personalized advocacy, we envision a future where every voice is heard, and collective action drives meaningful change towards a more resilient and equitable world.