Course Overview:
This course provides a practical and strategic foundation in Communication for Development (C4D)—a powerful approach that uses participatory communication, media, and dialogue to support positive social and behavior change in communities.
In the context of global challenges such as health, education, climate change, gender equity, and civic engagement, C4D has become a core function in development programming. This course explores how to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate communication strategies that are culturally relevant, inclusive, and evidence-based.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in designing campaigns, using multimedia tools, engaging communities, and applying global frameworks from organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and FAO. Real-life case studies will be used to demonstrate impact in different sectors.
Course Duration:
10 days
Target Audience:
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Communication and Advocacy Officers
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Development Practitioners and Humanitarian Workers
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M&E and Program Officers
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Government and NGO Staff
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Public Health, Gender, and Education Professionals
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Researchers and Policy Advisors
Personal Impact:
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Develop strategic thinking in using communication for behavior and social change
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Strengthen research, planning, and campaign design skills
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Enhance your ability to work with media and communities for development outcomes
Organizational Impact:
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Improve the effectiveness and reach of development programs
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Support inclusive, participatory approaches that empower communities
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Align projects with donor expectations for evidence-based communication
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Strengthen branding, visibility, and advocacy efforts
Course Level:
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand C4D concepts, principles, and application in development
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Design and implement effective C4D strategies and campaigns
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Use participatory approaches and community engagement methods
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Apply behavioral change theories in communication planning
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Monitor, evaluate, and document C4D outcomes
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Communication for Development (C4D)
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History and evolution of C4D
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Principles of participatory communication
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C4D vs. information dissemination vs. advocacy
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Key stakeholders and roles in C4D
Case Study: UNICEF’s C4D approach in global health programs
Module 2: Communication Theories and Behavior Change Models
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Social learning theory, diffusion of innovation, health belief model
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Applying theories to real-world interventions
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Messaging for individual vs. collective behavior change
Activity: Map behavior change model to a local development issue
Module 3: Participatory Approaches and Community Engagement
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Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and community mapping
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Techniques for inclusion of marginalized voices
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Power dynamics and cultural considerations
Workshop: Roleplay on community dialogue facilitation
Module 4: C4D Strategy Design and Planning
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Situation analysis and communication needs assessments
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Setting SMART objectives
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Message development and stakeholder mapping
Case Study: Designing a strategy for a reproductive health campaign
Module 5: Media and Channel Selection in C4D
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Traditional vs. modern communication channels
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Use of radio, theatre, print, digital, and interpersonal methods
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Reaching remote or low-literacy populations
Activity: Plan a multi-channel strategy for a vaccination campaign
Module 6: Campaign Development and Creative Design
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Storytelling and scriptwriting
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Producing radio spots, posters, and social media content
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Working with creative agencies and local influencers
Workshop: Draft a concept note for a C4D campaign
Module 7: Monitoring and Evaluation of C4D Programs
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C4D indicators and M&E frameworks
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Qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluation
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Tools for tracking reach, relevance, and impact
Case Study: Evaluation results from a gender-based violence campaign
Module 8: Crisis Communication and Risk Messaging
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Communicating during health emergencies and disasters
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Building trust and countering misinformation
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Coordination with government, media, and humanitarian actors
Simulation: Designing a communication plan during a disease outbreak
Module 9: Policy Advocacy and Institutional Communication
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Linking C4D with public policy and governance
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Writing policy briefs, media statements, and advocacy messages
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Influencing decision-makers through evidence and storytelling
Activity: Develop an advocacy plan for a local social issue
Module 10: Final Projects and Knowledge Sharing
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Presentation of C4D strategies developed during the course
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Peer feedback and refinement
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Best practices, toolkits, and resources for ongoing learning
Capstone Project: Present a full C4D strategy and creative content proposal for a chosen development challenge
Related Courses
Course Administration Details:
Methodology
These instructor-led training sessions are delivered using a blended learning approach and include presentations, guided practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience as professionals and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials are offered in English. Participants should be reasonably proficient in the language.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Training Venue
The training will be held at IRES Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and lunch. All participants will additionally cater to their travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
Accommodation and Airport Transfer
Accommodation and Airport Transfer are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +254715 077 817
Tailor-Made
This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +254715 077 817
Payment
Payment should be transferred to the IRES account through a bank on or before the start of the course. Send proof of payment to [email protected]
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