Folk media in the age of social media: Exploring the potentials of folk media for Botswanan development

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role that traditional or indigenous media, commonly referred to as folk media, can still play in promoting development efforts in this age of social media. Folk media serve as communication tool for the dissemination of information and enhancing development. Folk music, folklore dance and other artistic performances are carriers of messages which can be injected with developmental messages. A country like Botswana with a number of rural communities presents an avenue where folk media can enhance development. As a country with different ethnic groups, it is almost impossible to find an ethnic group without its own distinct traditional media and artistic expression. With this in view, this paper from a more wholistic perspective explores the potentials of folk media in facilitating development efforts in Botswana. The study leans primarily on case studies and extant literature to carry-out the study primary objective.