Functional Communication Model for Family Planning Extension Services in Kenya
Joshua J. Akonga · Journal of Eastern African research & development · 1988
Inadequate IEC efforts misinformation about family planning methods and a lack of coordination among agencies contribute to the low contraceptive prevalence in Kenya. If contraceptive acceptance is to be increased couples must be furnished with accurate information about contraceptives and where they can be obtained. At present family planning field workers are the most important source of information in Kenya; the mass media are not yet a significant channel. Over half of Kenyas field educators participate in various community group activities in an official capacity. This increases both their familiarity with and acceptance by the general population thus enhancing their ability to produce behavioral and attitudinal change. Surveys of villagers in Kenya indicate clear preferences in terms of the personal characteristics of family planning field workers. 35% believe such workers should be female and 38% prefer a married worker. 54% prefer to communicate with extension workers in the 26-35-year age group. 34% think field workers should reside in the community where they work. Since education and employment opportunities cannot be expected to impact on fertility in Kenya to the same extent that they have in more developed countries more attention should be given to strengthening the role of family planning extension workers. Useful in introducing technical information to small holder farmers in Kenya have been both individual approaches aimed at communicating on a personal level and group-centered approaches that involve the change agents working with existing social groups to implement a plan of action. To create sustained motivation the target group should be given the chance to participate in project planning and implementation. A method of communication that attempts to understand the structure and culture of the target group has the greatest chance of acceptance.