Theatre as a Water Sources Care Sensitisation Tool: A Behavioural Change Intervention at Winneba Central Market, Ghana

Abstract

Located at Winneba Central Market is a hand-dug well which serves as a source of water for traders and is one of the main sources of water supply for the community and its environs during water shortages. However, the condition of the well and its surroundings was undesirable. In consequence, a project was launched in April 2016 to use of Theatre for Development (TfD) as a communication channel to sensitise the users of the hand-dug well on the link between water, sanitation, hygiene and improved livelihood in April 2016. This theatrical approach opened up discussion on keeping water bodies clean, safe and sustainable. This paper reports the findings of a study on the use of TfD as a communication channel. The study deployed semi-structured interviews, observation and focus group discussions were employed qualitative data collection tools. The post-project intervention follow-up indicate a marked improvement and efficacy of theatre in fostering change in people’s mind-set and conduct.