Strengthening Environmental Communication for Sustainable Rural Development: A Case Study of Maala Municipality, Algeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17257682Keywords:
Environmental Communication, Rural Development, Ecological Sustainability, Integrated Rural Development, Algeria.Abstract
Rural regions across Algeria face persistent environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, land degradation, and weak civic engagement. In response, the Algerian state has adopted integrated rural development strategies to revitalize marginalized territories. However, the communication dimension of these strategies remains underexplored. This study examines the role of environmental communication in promoting sustainable rural development in Maala Municipality, Bouira Province. Using a qualitative case study approach—including interviews, field observations, and document analysis—the research investigates how communication actors (forestry officers, agricultural advisors, local media, and civil society) shape public awareness, influence environmental behaviors, and support ecological resilience. Grounded in interdisciplinary literature, the study addresses a gap in existing research by linking media studies with environmental governance in rural contexts. Findings reveal that while communication efforts foster awareness, their impact is weakened by seasonal interventions, lack of strategic coordination, and limited stakeholder training. The study contributes an applied framework for enhancing participatory environmental communication in Algeria’s rural development policies.
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