Evaluating the Abuja environmental protection board’s communication campaign strategies in combating open defecation practice in FCT, Nigeria

This study examines the communication campaign strategies employed by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in addressing open defecation practices within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. The study's objectives include identifying the communication strategies used by AEPB, assessing the extent of their implementation, evaluating their effectiveness, and analysing the challenges hindering their assimilation in combating open defecation. The study was anchored on the Persuasive Communication Theory and Empowerment Theory. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 384 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that AEPB employs various communication strategies, including town hall meetings with stakeholders, engagement of town criers, community theatre, utilisation of traditional and religious centres, billboards, posters, banners, and strategic placement of informational materials. However, the study establishes that these strategies have been ineffective due to challenges such as public attitudes towards sanitation and inadequate monitoring mechanisms. The study recommends that AEPB enhance public awareness of its hygiene promotion initiatives, particularly by intensifying the deployment of diverse communication strategies to combat open defecation effectively.