PSAf Empowers Journalists in Mazabuka to Drive Climate Action and Justice Narratives
Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), under the VCA programme, successfully conducted a transformative media training workshop in May 2025, Mazabuka, Zambia, aimed at strengthening the capacity of local journalists, storytellers, and communicators in Climate Action, Advocacy, and Justice Storytelling and Reporting. The initiative, which culminated in a powerful story harvesting exercise in the communities of Mwanachingwala and Nacipoma, sought to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to translate complex climate data into accessible, locally grounded narratives that catalyse change.
Journalists interact with grassroots community members during a story harvesting exercise facilitated by Panos after a media training workshop on climate change reporting
The training brought together a diverse group of media practitioners, including radio broadcasters, print and online journalists, and community communicators from across Southern Province and beyond. The sessions focused on demystifying climate change concepts, exploring climate justice frameworks, and sharpening skills in investigative storytelling, ethical reporting, and amplifying the voices of communities most affected by climate impacts.
Panos Programmes Manager, Nervious Siantombo, emphasised the critical role the media plays in shaping public discourse and influencing policy on climate issues.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue…it is a development, justice, and human rights issue.”
By building the media’s capacity to tell people-centred stories, we are ensuring that the lived experiences of local communities influence national and global climate dialogues, Mr. Siantombo said.
PSAf Programmes Manager, Nervious Siantombo, interacts with the journalists during a media training workshop on climate action storytelling and reporting. Picture Credit: Kondwani Thindwa
The workshop was structured to foster hands-on learning, blending technical sessions with field-based storytelling. Following the in-house training, participants travelled to Mwanachingwala and Nacipoma, two communities experiencing the direct impacts of climate change. Through the story harvesting exercise, journalists engaged with farmers, women’s groups, youths, and traditional authorities to gather firsthand accounts of climate-induced challenges and the innovative, community-led solutions being implemented on the ground.
Journalists interact with grassroots community members during a story harvesting exercise facilitated by Panos after a media training workshop on climate change reporting.
These immersive community engagements allowed journalists to witness the intersection of climate justice and resilience building. Stories of smallholder farmers shifting to climate-smart agriculture, women pioneering solar-powered water systems, and youth mobilising for afforestation highlighted how local action is contributing to national climate resilience. Participants lauded the training for its practical relevance and participatory approach.
For Helga Chibwe, a journalist from Diamond TV , the training was transformative:
“This training has not only deepened my understanding of climate action and justice but has given me the confidence and skills to craft stories that hold leaders accountable while uplifting grassroots voices.”
The Mazabuka workshop forms part of Panos’ broader efforts to build a cohort of climate-literate media champions who can drive sustained public engagement on climate issues. By prioritising justice-oriented storytelling, the initiative ensures that climate communication not only informs but also inspires action, holds power to account, and champions the dignity and rights of those most affected.
As the climate crisis deepens, initiatives like this serve as a reminder that empowering storytellers to tell the right stories is essential to achieving a just and inclusive climate future.