Communicating better hygiene in rural Zambia through toilet construction: The case of the lesa chiefdom of Mpongwe district
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Date
2016
Authors
Mulenga, Royce
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This report is entitled “Communicating better hygiene in rural Zambia, a case of Toilet
Construction in Chief Lesa chiefdom of Mpongwe District”. The scourge of open defecation
has reached alarming levels and calls for attention of all stake holders. Lack of access to
improved sanitation contributes to a high prevalence of diarrhoea and other water- borne
diseases. Further, poor sanitary health practices impact on malnutrition and low quality
learning environments for millions of children in rural areas which results in high
absenteeism as well as increased school dropout rates, especially for girls. The study aimed
at investigating whether communication is a factor in constructing toilets and how
communication culture can be used to fight the scourge.
A snap shot survey design was adopted in this research; employing the triangulation
approach to data collection and analysis. The qualitative data gathering methods included
the review of secondary data on the topic as well as an in-depth interview with the Chief and
a focus group discussion with 29 traditional counsellors. As regards the quantitative methods
of data collection, there was a questionnaire which was administered to 70 members of the
community. The research participants were chosen by purposive sampling. The quantitative
data obtained from the field research was processed into tables and charts by means of
Microsoft Word Excel.
Findings of this study show that mass communication about hygiene practice was present in
chief Lesa chiefdom as this was mentioned both in the focus group discussion and
interview. Informants indicated that radio Chengelo and Chimwemwe have programs that
focus on community development and sanitation. Knowledge and information is transmitted
through call out, bill boards, mega phones community radios and during the traditional
ceremonies. Messages transmitted include community led total sanitation and moral conduct
such as attitude change as regards to toilet construction. Some people felt that it was not
important to construct toilets; others feel lazy to build while others were not aware of the
importance of using a toilet, hence a good number of subjects still do not have toilets, and
they use the bush to answer the call of nature.
The study recommended punishments to be instituted to the people who fail to build toilets.
Chiefs to take an active part in facilitating and enhancing the issues of sanitation in the
villages and work together with other stakeholders and the government to make sure that
hygiene issues in their chiefdoms are observed by their subjects. More sanitation programs
on the radio and TV stations across the country to make people‟s perception towards toilet
uses to continue changing.
Description
Master of Communication for Development
Keywords
Rural Zambia , Tiolet Construction – Rural