Employing Communication Strategies as Tools for Eradicating Open Defecation in Rural Areas in Southwest Nigeria
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Date
2022-09
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Journal of African films and Diaspora Studies (JAFDIS)
Abstract
The consensus among health and development communication scholars is that
various communication strategies and approaches can promote public health
awareness. The scholars also argue that for attitudinal change to ensue, activities
must be built around people’s capacity to contribute and participate actively in the
transformation process. With only Ifedayo local government area (LGA) of Osun
State declared open defecation-free by UNICEF in Southwest Nigeria, it is crucial
to interrogate the communication approach used to achieve this feat. A survey
was conducted on 391 respondents in twelve wards of the LGA, and an interview
conducted with the director of the LGA’s Water and Environmental Sanitation
department. Findings revealed that the state’s radio station was used to create
awareness on the dangers of open defecation and mobilize people to build toilet
facilities. The agency also used dialogue and other forms of interpersonal
communication strategies to educate and enforce compliance. The paper
concluded that radio is a medium of awareness and knowledge in behavioral
change communication-related issues. Such changes would only occur if
interpersonal channels are combined to elicit change in the people. For effective
communication strategies, stakeholders must be sincerely committed to the
"Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet" campaign objectives. The findings of the study
recommend that for an end to open defecation in southwest Nigeria, relevant
agencies, particularly, Water and Environmental Sanitation departments, should
adopt integrated communication strategies with more emphasis on dialogue than
force.