ATTITUDES DES HABITANTS DE KINSHASA SUR LE CHANGEMENT CLIMATIQUE

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is a serious problem today, and its effects are felt worldwide. This global phenomenon is less well-known among the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which limits its understanding and prevents the population from taking an appropriate approach to combating it. The City-Province of Kinshasa is experiencing the increasing effects of climate change. We sought to determine the attitudes and practices of Kinshasa residents regarding this phenomenon.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with data from a KAP survey in the 12 municipalities of the four districts of the City-Province of Kinshasa. 322 people agreed to participate in this survey. After compiling, aggregating, and creating a database of this data generated using Excel software, analyses were performed using SPSS software. Variables were summarized as proportions and frequencies. Comparing means using analysis of variance and p-values ​​allowed us to determine whether or not the different variables actually influenced knowledge about climate change.

Results: In the sample of 322 participants, 65.2% were men and 34.8% were women, with 16.8% in the 18-25 age group. 71.4% had a higher education or university level, and 52.2% wanted to have all the necessary information on climate change. Forty-eight percent of respondents were ready to take action to combat climate change, while 52% were unsure what to do. 55.9% were very concerned about this phenomenon, compared to 3.1% who were not at all concerned. 51.9% did not know what practices were used to combat this phenomenon, while 18.6% were considering planting trees.

Conclusion: Residents of 12 municipalities in four districts of the City of Kinshasa lack reliable knowledge about climate change and are unable to take measures to combat and adapt to its harmful effects. The Government is called upon to find sustainable solutions to help control this phenomenon. The Government is urged to implement the resolutions of the COP29 meeting held in Azerbaijan in Baku to protect the population.