Evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies for Community participation in safe drinking water: The case of Kabanana Township Chisamba District

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies used by the Department of Public Health to promote community participation in safe drinking water. The study used a descriptive-exploratory research design guided by three objectives, which were to assess (1) The communication strategies used, (2) message content and (3) receptability and or awareness of the messages. The findings revealed that communication is not effective due to a duo source of information on safe water, namely, the Department itself through interpersonal communication and mass media, the latter is unfortunately not utilized by the Department. It was recommended that in order to bridge this knowledge gap, the Department of Public Health should, improve on some of its communication channels, and engage the media for production of relevant community messages on safe water and run them regularly so as to capture those exposed to it.