A Study on the Role of Social Media in Mobilizing Emergency Aid During Crises in Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State

A Study on the Role of Social Media in Mobilizing Emergency Aid During Crises in Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State

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Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Social media platforms have become pivotal in facilitating rapid communication and mobilization during emergencies and crises. In regions prone to natural disasters, conflict, or humanitarian crises, social media plays a key role in spreading information, coordinating responses, and mobilizing resources, including emergency aid (Ahmed & Salihu, 2023). In Nigeria, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have increasingly been used to organize and mobilize support in times of crisis. During periods of instability, such as those experienced in the northeastern states, including Yobe, social media has helped bridge gaps between affected communities and aid organizations. Bursari Local Government Area, being part of a region impacted by both natural disasters and insurgent activities, serves as an important context for exploring the role of social media in mobilizing emergency aid. This study seeks to investigate how social media platforms facilitate the distribution of emergency aid during crises in Bursari, focusing on their effectiveness in connecting affected communities with donors and aid agencies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

During crises, timely access to emergency aid is critical for saving lives and alleviating suffering. While social media has been identified as an effective tool for mobilizing aid, its actual impact on aid delivery in regions like Bursari, where infrastructure is often weak, remains underexplored. Additionally, the use of social media for crisis management faces several challenges, including misinformation, internet access limitations, and digital literacy issues within rural communities. The problem this study addresses is the limited empirical research on how social media has been utilized to mobilize emergency aid in Bursari, and whether it has effectively facilitated the prompt and efficient distribution of resources.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To investigate the role of social media in mobilizing emergency aid during crises in Bursari.
2. To assess the effectiveness of social media platforms in coordinating aid distribution in Bursari.
3. To identify the challenges faced in using social media for mobilizing emergency aid in Bursari.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How is social media used to mobilize emergency aid during crises in Bursari?
2. How effective are social media platforms in coordinating aid distribution during crises in Bursari?
3. What challenges hinder the use of social media in mobilizing emergency aid in Bursari?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1. Social media significantly facilitates the mobilization of emergency aid during crises in Bursari.
2. Social media platforms effectively enhance the coordination of aid distribution during crises in Bursari.
3. The use of social media for mobilizing emergency aid in Bursari is limited by challenges such as misinformation and limited internet access.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is important for understanding the role of social media in crisis response, particularly in rural Nigerian communities. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and emergency response teams in designing better strategies for utilizing social media in aid mobilization. Furthermore, the research contributes to the growing body of literature on digital activism and disaster management, highlighting the potential of social media as a tool for addressing humanitarian crises in underserved areas.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focuses on the role of social media in mobilizing emergency aid during crises in Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State. It is limited to assessing the use of social media platforms and the challenges associated with mobilizing aid within this specific region.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Social Media: Online platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp, used for communication, information dissemination, and coordination.
2. Emergency Aid: Immediate assistance provided during crises, including food, medical care, and financial support, to affected populations.
3. Crisis: A significant event that disrupts the normal functioning of a community or society, such as natural disasters or armed conflicts.

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