Communication, Media Literacy and Sustainable Social Development: Experience of Middle Belt Residents in Nigeria

Abstract

This research started from the topic of Communication, media literacy and sustainable social development exploring the experiences of residents of the Middle Belt states in Nigeria. The objectives were to find out the main contributions of media to social development; the level of media literacy of the population and the relationship of media and development in the affected states of Nigeria. Two theories were carried in the process of research as the diffusion of innovations and the Uses and Gratification theories. The population of the study was 18, 963,717 with a sample size of 400 persons. The instrument of research was questionnaire shared proportionately and distributed to residents physically. The method of research was by survey and the results calculated in percentages using pie charts. Part of findings was that the relationship of the media and sustainable development, it was noted at an average level. This shows that the media has to an extent done its part of work but still left with much to do for the facilitating of development in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. The conclusion had that the media in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria contribute definitely on social development, but the prospective remain underutilized. The recommendations included that policymakers and practitioners should also emphasize participatory and inclusive communication strategies to strengthen public engagement and trust.