Connecting with community in development programs, especially in health is a decisive component. It is required at planning level as well as during implementation and monitoring, developing the understanding of needs and ownership on resources. Planning process needs to be in the hands of community itself, so that they can ensure their participation in execution and monitoring. Though people are not experts of managerial issues, and lack technical knowledge but with a support system a lot can be achieved. In the Health Sector, establishing the connection with community emerged in the form of Community Monitoring under NRHM and now it is present as Community Action for Health. Present paper is an effort towards analyzing issues, understanding context and summarizing the process of connecting community for health with the background of communicating health in Rajasthan.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the risk perception of Covid-19 among Malawian community members and provide recommendations on how to enact more effective risk communication strategies to ensure higher levels of adherence to Covid-19 safety measures. Methods: Four UNICEF partner organisations working in Risk Communication and Community Engagement interviewed 319 community members from 14 of Malawi’s 28 districts regarding Covid-19 during home visits within the communities, and the responses were summarised into a compendium of insights (rumours, misconceptions, fears, expectations and suggestions regarding the nature of Covid-19 and its management). A rapid inquiry in the form of key informant interviews (KIIs) was conducted with nine health workers and community leaders who were directly occupied with Covid-19 health service provision and community mobilisation, to better understand possible reasons for the low efficacy of the risk communication strategies used. Data were then qualitatively analysed using IPA to establish recurring themes of the state of Covid-19 risk perception. Results: Findings showed that community members had a low-risk perception of Covid-19 stemming from several reasons, including misinformation and faulty attitudes about the pandemic, influences of political and socio-cultural factors, and less effective risk communication and community engagement which did not resonate with the target groups on influencing risk perception.
This study aimed to explore factors affecting the effectiveness of online presentations as perceived by undergraduate and graduate students in Indonesia. The issue discussed was online public speaking. Data were collected through an online questionnaire filled out by 359 undergraduate and graduate students of two private universities in Indonesia. The questionnaire addressed five main dimensions as follows, the voice, the media used, delivery, the materials and language used along with 16 factors. Overall, the analysis concluded that these five dimensions strongly affect the effectiveness of online presentations in this specific context. In addition to the above, the dimension of sound appears to be the key dimension, together with five specific factors, namely voice clarity, the use of an appropriate intonation, of an appropriate pace, the production of an easy-to-understand presentation, and the use of a reliable video conferencing tool. Results of the study stress the importance for online speakers to pay attention to these dimensions and factors to ensure the effectiveness of online presentations.
From the first quarter of 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) dominated our lives and media platforms, and it is considered an unprecedented healthcare crisis. The socio-economic, political and cultural impacts will last for a very long time. At present, the fight against COVID-19 is either being lost or won around the world. But, what could make the virus not go away soon from Africa, particularly Nigeria, is the tendency to deny its existence. Employing historicocritical and direct observation methods this article reflects on the issue and signposts argument against claims that Coronavirus is a fraud and a non-existent disease. Many unguarded Nigerians claim that Bill Gates is at the forefront of a plan to exterminate Africans through a vaccine. Others argue that if there was a Coronavirus, it must have been prepared in a Chinese lab. They further claim that it is what China had in mind when it invented the 5G technology which triggered the COVID-19. In fact, many Nigerians treat suggestions to wear facemasks or to apply certain preventive measures against infection from the virus with contempt. At each turn, Nigerians are pummeled with misinformation and disinformation. Readers and listeners are now expected to deal with news items that resemble the original. It is this situation that impels this study to take a position that a national orientation is required to correct a gullible culture of denial, propagation of fake news and the willingness of readers, listeners and other media users to accept such news as true without critical thinking. It is observed, regrettably, that the denials or conspiracy theories circulate more among students of tertiary institutions and degree holders who are supposed to have advance opinions on the issue. The article, therefore, suggests that tertiary institutions’ curricula should be reconfigured to give attention to this area of national life in Nigeria with a view to building a mass of critical thinkers, not ‘zombies.’
Despite the importance of community participation in local governance, the inputs of community members on issues of local governance seem little in district assemblies in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Social accountability is not a privilege for civil society organisations and citizens, but it is their right as tax-payers and citizens to actively participate in development decisions that affect them. This paper argues that such rights can be better actualised through innovative social interventions of civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders in local governance. The study assumes that until district assemblies and development partners collaboratively work with communities to create a sense of inclusiveness in local governance, the implementation of development projects would hardly be beneficial. It employed a qualitative research approach. Data was sourced from in-depth interview of implementers of a novel social intervention project and review of write-ups of journalists on development issues in the Upper West Region. Content analysis was employed to analyse thirteen sampled articles of journalists to identify issues of social accountability. Through analysis of an innovative social intervention project of Action for Sustainable Development collaboratively carried out with the media in the Upper West Region, the paper gives some insights on emerging issues about CSOs’ innovative social intervention in local governance in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, child trafficking is one of the leading criminal activities after drug trafficking. In Kenya, many cases of child trafficking especially for the purpose of sexual exploitation and domestic servitude are reported each year thus the need to publicly advocate against it and implement relevant laws that will address it accordingly. Guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), which theorises that motivation and ability are the key tenets of persuasion communication that ultimately plays a huge role in addressing common communication challenges, this study sought to find out the communication challenges usually encountered by individuals and organisations while advocating against this vice amongst primary school children. This is after preliminary studies indicated that as much advocacy indeed plays a huge role in addressing child trafficking in Kenya, this success is not without its challenges. A purposive sample of 16 facilitators was selected as per Yamane’s formula and the convergent parallel mixed methods design was used for data analysis. The study established that 93.7% of the facilitator respondents agreed to the fact that they indeed face a number of challenges as they attempt to advocate against child trafficking in primary schools of Mathare constituency. Furthermore, 75% of these respondents identified time constraint as the main challenge they face followed by lack of support from the school administration at 62.5%. Thus, the study concluded that it is very possible to have an advocacy programme that will end up being effective but faced by a number of communication challenges at the same time. However, this does not imply that such an initiative should be frowned upon and undermined because how these challenges are mitigated is what eventually provides solutions that will help in filling in the identified gaps.
In a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, measures such as lockdowns and curfews were imposed by Federal and State governments. Among the worst affected by Covid-19 containment measures were informal sector operators. To cushion the impacts of Covid-19 containment measures and to strengthen the informal sector to contribute to reconstruction of post Covid-19 economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with some agencies, rolled out post Covid-19 economic recovery interventions. Other than media coverage, there seem to be a lack of government commitment to diffuse the policy to engender even participation of the target population. This study investigated communication components of Nigeria’s post Covid-19 economic recovery policy. Among other objectives, the study investigated communication platforms that were adopted to popularise the policy. Descriptive survey research design was used to study a population of 84,004,084 from which a sample size of 384 respondents was drawn. Findings of the study indicated sheer neglect of interpersonal communication networks in the implementation of Nigeria’s post Covid-19 economic recovery policy. The study recommended, among other things, that the Federal Government of Nigeria and its collaborating agencies should incorporate interpersonal communication networks to diffuse the post Covid-19 economic recovery policy.
According to the Annual report of Agricultural Statistics in 2019, 25.5% of agricultural labour force is engaged in the various agricultural related professions in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the traditional forms of communication can be used to empower the agricultural related livelihood. In this context, the main purpose of this study is to examine the use of traditional forms of communication in developing agricultural related livelihood in rural Sri Lanka. Development communication is the main conceptual and theoretical framework of this study. The geographical location is Pelwatta in Buttala Divisional Secretariat in Monaragala district, Uva Province. Therefore, the FGDs were conducted with 25 people who are aware and use these folk media in Pelwatta (purposive sampling). In depth interviews were conducted with four key people from the same community. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results show that the majority of people are into agricultural related professions such as cane farming, banana cultivation, dairy farming, chena cultivation, paddy cultivation and working for Pelwatta Sugar Company and Diary company which are currently government owned companies. The people use various traditional forms of communication to fulfill their socio-cultural, economics needs and issues in the day to day lives. Moreover, these traditional forms of communication are used to get rid of diseases and epidemics, for the protection of agricultural crops, maintain the uniqueness of their food culture, protect the cultural and religious values, heritages etc. The responsible authorities should support these communities to protect and promote the cultural, socio-economic values, traditions, communications, believes, heritages and resources unique to this area.
This study utilises muted group theory to understand the impact bureaucratic structure has on local entrepreneurs when policymaking is influenced by dominating groups, viz the corporate lobbies. Muted group theory is used to define the characteristics of decision-making to favour a few at the expense of a group of individuals who have the relevant technical expertise but lack their say in the policy formulation of the state. The premises of the theory focus on the lack of underrepresented voices present in policies, structures, and organisations. To gain clarity on the experiences of these entrepreneurs, a thorough case study is presented and analysed on the process of the muting of a class of local entrepreneurs and its impact at the local and national level. The findings in this research indicate the importance of representation of local elements in the decision-making process in bureaucratic structures to accommodate the concerns and aspirations of the masses and to highlight the adverse impact of muted ness of entrepreneurs in the progress of the society.muted group theory
A growing number of studies have employed ethnography in information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) research, yet serious questions are still being asked with regard to the lack of rich ethnographic description and the failure to adequately position the ICT4D ethnography within the digital and media ethnographic tradition. This paper contributes to these questions by providing a reflective account of the principles and practices of doing ICT4D ethnography. It builds on the approaches of doing social research and field experience in Sierra Leone to demonstrate how the principles and practices of traditional ethnographic approach can be adapted and particularised for ICT4D study. It reflects on the what, why and how questions for doing ICT4D ethnography, illustrating its practical applications to exploring the complex relationship between ICTs and human development. I conclude by arguing that despite the usefulness of ethnography in ICT4D research, its appropriate applications are often constrained by the pressure for ICT4D researchers to adhere to the requirements of development agenda; demand for short-term outcome reports; and the pre-occupation of result-based approaches in development impact research.
Safeguarding is a critical yet often neglected issue in development and social services sectors. It is especially relevant for organisations serving vulnerable individuals or communities. The safeguarding policies and practices have gone through some major changes over the past several years in response to incidents where organisations failed to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation and other types of abuses. This article analyses some real-life cases, draws lessons from them and argues that organisations particularly the development agencies, social service providers and charities must invest more resources in order to protect vulnerable individuals or groups irrespective of (but not limited to) age and gender from sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. The article underscores the need for an enabling environment and a communication approach as a way forward to create better institutional safeguards. It emphasises preventive measures based in multi-stakeholder engagement, education of relevant staff members, volunteers, government stakeholders as well as the beneficiaries and local communities.
For the year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more challenging for India and other countries such as the United States to provide meals to students mainly because of their schools having to be shut down frequently and unpredictably due to the number of daily infections and the severity of the situation as a whole. Established to address the lack of food security and safety for starving families, India's government-led Mid-day Meal Programme (MDMP) is the world's largest school meal service programme, followed in second place by its US counterpart, the National School Lunch Programme (NSLP). The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has issued directives to state governments to look into the supply of food grains or deposit funds into the bank accounts of the students’ parents to ensure continued supply of food, especially in the event of lockdowns. However, many states in India have not been able to fully implement the MDMP; in contrast, the Federal government in the United States has ensured that school meals reached children in need during lockdowns. This article presents a comparative analysis of the meal service programmes being administered in both countries and how India could adopt the methods being used in the US. The authors also put forward other possible solutions as to how policymakers and practitioners in India can enhance food security for families in need.
How farmers integrate climate information into their decision-making process and the outcomes of such use are less understood. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with rice farmers in vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Results showed that participants experienced such climate extremes as floods, droughts, and typhoons. They obtained weather forecasts from the mass media, including radio and television, and seasonal climate forecasts from the agro-meteorological offices set up by the local government units. They used climate information to develop their planting calendar, decide the variety to sow, and decide whether to grow rice or other crops. Use of climate information resulted in farmers gaining confidence in their farm decision, maximizing output from alternative crops, and maximising the use of time and resources. Farmers who did not follow the climate advisory experienced crop failure and psychological discomfort. Results showed that the use of climate information enable farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Findings also highlight the need for interventions to enable more farmers to use climate information and adapt to the changing climate.
The Government of Bangladesh with UNICEF and partners launched a multi-phase trans-media campaign to end child marriage in 2017. At the heart of the initiative was an award-winning social norm-driven entertainment-education-based television series Icchedana (On the Wings of Wishes), which focused on adolescent empowerment and gender equality. The storyline centered around a girls’ football team and portrayed the lives of a group of girls who face and overcome adolescent challenges. The media campaign was supplemented by on the ground social mobilisation and community engagement efforts in districts with high child marriage prevalence. This article presents a robust case study of this multi-layered social and behaviour change initiative. The findings draw on a longitudinal panel study to assess the effectiveness of the trans-media component and qualitative data gathered during field observation visits. The article builds on social norms, entertainment-education and gender theory to explain the broader gender related shifts that ensued as part of the change efforts aimed to end child marriage. Recommendations for future gender transformation and social norm change efforts are discussed.
The unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health and socio-economic consequences evidently triggered off global concern among governmental and non-governmental bodies towards sensitisation efforts on what the masses need to know/do in order to stay safe amidst persistent spread of the virus. The study was aimed at critically examining the crucial role of ‘information’ in shaping a people’s perception of [and of course response to] their social environment and its configurations, with particular reference to COVID-19 pandemic. Case study and qualitative research approach was employed in this study and explored through critical survey of “The Marginalised Ears” TfD and PV intervention documentary project of Theatre Arts Department, AE-FUNAI, Nigeria, carried out in four communities in Southeast Nigeria to assess the impact of COVID-19 media reportage on rural dwellers, especially the aged and most vulnerable, who may not have access to electronic media. Findings reveal that the information at a people’s disposal has a remarkable way of shaping their perception of life and issues in their environment and their reactions to them. The study concludes by imploring on government and its agencies (including concerned stakeholders) to be more dynamic as they intensify efforts at media advocacy initiatives in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends conscious efforts by media campaigners at appropriately selecting and utilising suitable media channels for effective realisation of objectives; while advocating for ‘TfD’ option as one sure dynamic way to reach the rural communities for effective realisation of media advocacy objectives.
This study has assessed the capacity of four community radio stations, located along the coastal areas of Bangladesh in regards to campaign strategies of cyclonic disasters. Examining the programme contents, effects of messaging, and drawbacks of their broadcast strategy this study reveals that although radio listenership has been dropped dramatically among commoners, poor people living in isolated coastal areas and nearby islands have trust to community radio campaign in preparedness and evacuation activities to avert deaths and property losses from cyclone and tidal bore. This evidence notes that campaign by community radio has potential in averting immediate danger from cyclone and tidal bore but the capacity of community radio stations are yet to demonstrate disaster friendly readiness due to want of adequate training for broadcasters. It then recommends that a communications plan for disaster campaigns combined with maintaining a network amongst community radio stations before, and during the cyclonic hit would significantly contribute to community safety, a decrease in property damage, and overall morale in the shadow of cyclones.
The concept of development communication is a clear pointer to the interrelationship between communication and development and the fact that the process of communication can be effectively applied to achieve development purposes. In development communication, the major aim of communication is to bring about the process of development. Theatre as a communicative art is a highly dynamic and powerful conscientisation medium, and as such, integral to communication, as it is to development, establishing its importance and unique role as an invaluable development communication instrument. Anchoring on the truism of the above statement, and reinforced by the participatory development communication model, the paper refocuses the Esuk Ewang and Ibaka Communities of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria's Environmental Theatre for Development Project, to highlight the true nature of theatre in the context of development as well as the interrelationship between communication and development.
In developing countries such as Ethiopia the outbreaks of pressing health problems (epidemics) has posed significant challenges. Unable to properly communicate during such risks results in countries paying social, economic and political costs. This study tries to understand the risk communication practice of Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau (referred to below as the Bureau) during the outbreaks of AWD (Acute Watery Diarrheal Disease)/Cholera in 2016. The study employed qualitative research method using focus group discussion, in-depth interview and document analysis as data gathering tools. The findings show that the Bureau for the most part did not employ risk communication on the basis of its basic principles. The Bureau does not clearly understand the very idea of risk communication and has been found to have no risk plan at all before the prevalence of the pandemic. The Bureau has been found to have no organised means to collect feedback from the audience. In addition, there is no proper evaluation and analysis of feedback coupled with lack of honesty during the process. What is more, the recovery phase was found to have not been communicated properly. To be effective, the Bureau is advised to apply risk communication as an important weapon in the fight against cholera epidemic.
This article, drawing upon the author’s past research and scholarly writings on communication strategies to prevent, contain, and mitigate pandemics and epidemics, including HIV/AIDS, analyses India’s march towards polio eradication, focusing on the relentless implementation of its macro and micro-level social and behavioural change communication strategies. It discusses the micro-targeting and messaging interventions to achieve large-scale vaccine adherence and behaviour compliance, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—the last sanctuaries for polio in India. It also analyses how India eradicated polio with relentless social mobilisation, involvement and engagement of local opinion leaders, and an adaptive data-driven strategy. No country, at any time, has utilised the art and science of social and behavioural communication for a greater public good as India did to wipe out polio. This article represents a modest attempt to analyse the communication-centric elements, focusing on the interpersonal and ground-based elements of the polio communication strategy, that contributed to this public health triumph of epic proportions, and represents India’s gift to the world.
