Social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategies and the fight against drug abuse in calabar south local government area, cross river state

Abstract

This research sought to show how SBCC strategies can be used in curbing drug abuse where conventional approaches have failed. The efforts of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight was scrutinized. A qualitative research design was adopted where In-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions were adopted as data collection methods. Data gathered were analysed using the constant comparative technique. Findings revealed that the agency’s efforts have not yielded the needed success owing to a number of challenges. Also, the research identified certain gaps in the agency’s campaign activities occasioned by the absence of a suitable communication strategy that is participatory in nature. The researcher therefore recommended that communication activities must be designed using participatory processes while working with existing social and cultural platforms and networks.