Gauging The Efficacy of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency’s Communication Strategies in Curbing Open Defecation Practice Among Residents of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study set out to assess the effectiveness of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency’s communication campaign strategies in addressing open defecation practice in Jos metropolis. The study was guided by the Persuasive Communication Theory. Mixed research methods were used. Finding revealed that PEPSA employed various communication strategies such as town hall meetings with stakeholders, engagement of town criers, community theatre, use of traditional and religious worship centres, and use of billboards, pasting of information on walls, and other strategic locations and use of banners. Others are the use of conventional mass media like television, radio, newspapers, magazines; use of social media such as Facebook, Whatsapp, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok; and distribution of leaflets, flyers, pamphlets otherwise known as information education communication materials. The study however found that the communication strategies have not been effective due to certain challenges such as people’s attitude and lack of monitoring mechanisms. The study recommended among others that PEPSA should increase the knowledge of the people on open defecation through increased use of various communication strategies.